Academy Central, Former University of East London
Community and sustainability-led urban regeneration
Overview
This major urban regeneration project has redeveloped the University of East London’s Longbridge Campus into an inclusive and sustainable community.
The 1,054 new homes reinforce the main axis of the locally listed university building, within which 106 of the homes are located, and sit alongside a new two-form primary school.
The design focuses around increasing biodiversity and sustainability on this brownfield site. Most of the homes have green roofs with local species of vegetation, bat boxes, insect tubes and hibernation mounds, and the on-site energy centre services the district heating system across the entire site. Additionally, environmentally sustainable materials were adopted in the development’s construction; all timber products are certified by the FSC, recycled glass is used in the block paving, and the roof waterproofing is made from recycled car tyres.
New routes and access points link a series of public spaces to the neighbouring Mayesbrook Park, enhancing the urban environment to create a safe, positive place.
