Location: London, United Kingdom.

Architect: Allford Hall Monaghan Morris.

Hawley Wharf is a mixed-use development project that has transformed an underused area in Camden Town into a vibrant new quarter for the benefit of the local community, users, and visitors. The project consists of eight new buildings and two refurbished buildings, including the Grade II Listed 1 Hawley Road. The development provides affordable and private homes, a primary school, workplace and retail units, workshops, a cinema, and new market buildings. The project was designed by AHMM, who was appointed in 2012 to develop a master plan in consultation with the local community and other stakeholders. The full planning application was approved in January 2013, and the project was completed in March 2019. The site was poorly connected with few access routes across the site before development. The existing towpath was in a dilapidated condition, and the viaducts arches had become known for anti-social behaviour. The project provided an opportunity to reconnect this under-used site to its surroundings and regenerate the wider area. The new buildings create distinctive spaces, each connected by welcoming streets, accessible open spaces, and a new public realm. The boundary to the south addressing the Regents Canal and the two viaducts crossing the site acted as the generators for the complex geometry of the buildings. The irregular geometry of the residential buildings has resulted in a broad range of apartment types. There are 100 apartment types over 195 units, which create a unique character. This is further enhanced by the different types of balconies, which both maximise views across the site and offer panoramic views of London. The project was completed in March 2019. By stitching the site back into its surroundings, Hawley Wharf rejuvenates Camden and creates a new destination accessible to all.

Photo credit: Timothy Soar.