Greenland Group revives plans for West India Quay tower

Developers want to revive HOK’s stalled Spire London skyscraper, previously known as Hertsmere House, which faced a backlash four years ago after it was revealed the design included only one fire escape stair to its upper floors. Shanghai-based Greenland Group has submitted plans to remove all 96 homes from the tower, at West India Quay, in a bid to ‘unlock the viability’ of the scheme. An additional 60 affordable homes it had promised to build at nearby Limehouse will still go ahead, according to an application lodged with Tower Hamlets Council. The site, near Grade I-listed docks buildings by George Gwilt the Younger, formerly housed a low-rise 1980s office development. In addition to its new homes and 941 sq m of commercial space, the building will feature communal amenity pavilions for residents that will be connected to the tower by glass winter gardens, landscaped roof terraces, public open spaces, and both internal and outdoor children’s play areas.

Architects' Journal (25/01/2022)