The Wick Lane development in Hackney Wick represents a thoughtful integration of residential and industrial uses, designed by dRMM Architects as part of a wider regeneration initiative supported by the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC). This project, delivered for Taylor Wimpey and completed in January 2024, brings together 175 homes and 2,250 square metres of light industrial and creative workspace, aiming to preserve employment opportunities while expanding housing in an area with a rich industrial past.

Unlike conventional mixed-use schemes that simply stack homes above industrial units, Wick Lane adopts a co-location strategy that interweaves commercial and residential functions across the site. The development is strategically positioned between Strategic Industrial Land to the south and the Fish Island Conservation Area to the north, using employment and industrial spaces along the southern boundary as a buffer to shield residents from the adjacent industrial land. Podium-level gardens serve as outdoor amenity spaces, providing a green buffer and enhancing the living environment for residents.

Architecturally, Wick Lane draws heavily from the industrial heritage of Hackney Wick and Fish Island, with the six distinctive buildings employing materials such as red and black brick, metal cladding, cast glass, and ribbed blockwork. Each building is defined by a dominant material that extends uniformly across roofs, walls, and soffits, evoking industrial typologies native to the surrounding area. Balconies feature a mix of inset and projecting designs, crafted from glass, red steel, and black steel, adding a dynamic layer of texture and colour. The varied architectural forms range from classic mill-style red brick to more contemporary metal finishes such as corrugated and standing seam panels.

The residential offering focuses on well-considered layouts, with 72% of homes designed to be dual aspect, optimising natural light and views. Many residences overlook the Greenway—an elevated, linear park that links the development to both Victoria Park and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park—strengthening residents’ connection to larger green spaces and encouraging community interaction.

Street-facing workspaces and standalone double-height units cater especially to light industrial and maker businesses. These commercial spaces are managed by start-up enterprise Tradestars, with interiors thoughtfully fit out by Sophie Franks Designs, complementing the architectural intent of fostering a creative and productive environment. The landscaping, by Grant Associates, plays a key role in stitching the development into the broader urban fabric, enhancing public realms and supporting the ambitions for a mixed-use neighbourhood that feels cohesive yet vibrant.

dRMM's involvement in Hackney Wick began back in 2013 through contributions to the LLDC’s Design and Planning Guidance, which has informed much of the evolution of industrial land in the area. According to Philip Marsh, director at dRMM, Wick Lane is envisioned as "a wonderful reimagining of the spirit of Hackney Wick and Fish Island; an idealised vision of its proud industrial and creative heritage." This ethos is manifest not only in the materiality and architectural language but in the project's broader social ambition to create places where people can both live and work harmoniously.

The project underlines a growing trend in urban regeneration—where employment space is not sacrificed to housing pressures but creatively combined to support sustainable community growth. In this example, the fusion of industrial legacy and contemporary living conditions marks a significant step for Hackney Wick, reflecting both respect for its history and optimism for its future.

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Source: Noah Wire Services