CROSS RIVER PARK

LONDON, 2007

The Cross River Park (CRP) area is a derelict mix of industrial warehouses, generic shopping malls and contaminated landfill. It spans both sides of the Thames, soon to be connected by the disputed infrastructure project of the Thames Gateway Bridge.
Nonetheless it is destined to become a splendid destination for human and environmental activity and a showcase to integrate and improve environmentally friendly development where small scale interventions will have a big impact, where small beginnings have a glorious future. It will offer fantastic possibilities to interact with the River Thames and to unlock an intriguing mosaic of isolated hidden sites and functions of a living city.

Tidal rhythm, mud and specific habitats will become part of the sublime identity of the Cross River Park, and the Thames Gateway Bridge will become the major physical and symbolical link between its north and south side.
The initial step of the design strategy will be small sustainable actions; promoting renewable energy supply; rain water management to reduce flood risk; creating connections to the adjacent neighbourhoods, providing access to the Thames Waterfront (Leisure, Nature, Education going hand-in-hand); urban farming for employment and food production.

Maxwan in collaboration with Karres en Brands created a set of principles on which the highly fragmented area can heal again. The area will gain coherence and continuity through a green framework that will improve access and integration of the neighbourhoods. The playing ground for the development of Cross river Park is set - but its creation will require political and economic courage. Its success depends now on a way of acting that is doing, rather than planning.