What was the problem?
In order to address the shortage of quality housing and modern business premises in the area, in the late 1960s plans were drawn up for the wholesale redevelopment of Covent Garden. Post-war central London featured an assortment of buildings, some badly damaged; poorly spaced green areas and an inappropriate use of main transport routes. By the late 1960s, issues with vandalism and fragmented communities had already begun to test the new housing developments springing up across the city.
The floorplan of Odhams Walk
What action was taken?
The first set of plans for Covent Garden were dismissed by residents and business people, operating as the Covent Garden Community Association (CGCA). In 1973, the Greater London Council (GLC) was charged with delivering new plans, this time with full public participation. The CGCA felt that there should be more provision for local families living in poor housing, for future generations and for those who had been forced out of the area but wanted to return; so they tabled their plan for the area. After a public enquiry and a bitter fight lasting almost a decade, the CGCA’s plan “Keep the Elephants Out of the Garden” was accepted.
At the centre of the CGCA’s plan was the prime development opportunity of Odhams print works, as the site offered an excellent location for both housing and shops. Despite a lack of commitment from GLC, the CGCA’s determination saw the project to completion.
The building was designed by the Greater London Architects Department, led by Donald Ball. The team put forwards an adventurous solution, with a perimeter rampart of 73 L-shaped patio flats cascading around eight open stairs for the first two storeys and rising to a lift-accessed upper level walkway serving a further 29 flats; all above a podium of shops and parking, with ramped diagonal access across the site.
Topics associated with this project
Community-led, Housing, London, Private sector