Carillion Igloo Genesis has won the competition to design and build Britain's first 'floating village' at London's Royal Docks.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson announced the decision recently having previously unveiled plans in February 2013 to create a 'floating village' as part of his on-going drive to transform London's Royal Docks bringing jobs, commercial space and homes back to the capital's waterways.
Boris Johnson, The Mayor of London, said: "This site has the potential to become one of the most sought after addresses in the capital while breathing new life back into London's waterways. Carillion Igloo Genesis' scheme will create a unique mixed use development providing a range of commercial activities within a high quality water environment for Londoners and visitors, creating jobs and raising the profile of London's Royal Docks."
The 15 acres of water will be transformed into a thriving community with floating homes, restaurants, cafes and bars.
The scheme includes a custom build approach for each of the 50 residential homes, enabling prospective occupiers to be part of the design-process, plus a mix of non-residential uses including restaurants, cafes, shops and leisure and office space. Plans for additional facilities, such as a floating Lido and an ice rink, were also proposed as part of the bid.
Chris Brown, director of Carillion Igloo Genesis, said: "Living in a floating home you've helped to design is a dream that lots of us have. By combining the floating home experience of our Dutch collaborators with our custom built business we hope to make these dreams come true in Royal Victoria Dock for a few lucky Londoners. East London's place on the tourist trail is growing fast. It's about to be joined by Europe's largest floating village, with floating markets, creative workspace, events and watersports."
Carillion Igloo Genesis' submission is 100% floating with the walkways, residential and non-residential units anchored in place using a series of piles located within the dock and connected to the dock by bridges.
A planning application is expected to be submitted to Newham Council in Spring 2015.
