History & Heritage of Wapping
Wapping has a colourful and rich history, having been the main area of commerce in London dating back 400 years. Signs of its maritime heritage have been present since the early 1700s; however, this became most prominent when it became home to the London Docks: one of several sets of historic Docks in London. Although the commercial activity around the Docks has dwindled, Wapping still maintains a distinctive character, transformed into the 21st century.
About the site
The existing Highway Trading Estate and The Highway Business Park have long been a part of Wapping’s commercial character, having served as a base for a variety of businesses for decades. The existing buildings are underperforming, both economically and environmentally.
Current weaknesses of the buildings include inflexible spaces that are not easily adaptable to meet a wide range of modern business requirements, poor sustainability credentials, a lack of on-site amenities for employees and dull and dated façades that do not make a positive contribution to the local area.
We believe that a new, sustainable urban industrial development will retain and continue the site’s industrial heritage in a contemporary way, responding to modern business needs, the environment and the evolving character of Wapping.