Hale Wharf

The very narrow site, with various requirements across it for access, the designation demanding high-density and the interstitial location between town and green belt were all challenges that shaped proposals.

The land is owned by the Canal and River Trust; retaining access for the resident boating community and securing the ongoing operation and maintenance of the lock gates were important parts of the project. The site also has a significant role to play as a link in the borough’s ‘Green Grid’ – Haringey’s commitment to improving the provision and quality of green spaces in the borough and connecting them together. This link runs through the shared street at the heart of the island, a child-friendly environment in this low-car neighbourhood (the development provides only 11 parking spaces) with well overlooked spaces for play.

Predominantly residential, the development comprises a mix of apartments and maisonettes across ten new buildings. Affordable units are placed along the quieter north and eastern edges of the site and include a large proportion of family homes in smaller, lower apartment blocks. The taller buildings to the south provide mainly one- and two-bedroom homes for private sale and rental (PRS).

On the northern half of the site, maisonettes at ground and first floor level have their own front doors opening onto the shared landscaped courtyard at the heart of the site, a sheltered setting for outdoor play. All ground floor duplex homes also have private outdoor space towards the water’s edge.

The project’s commitment to increasing and improving ecological habitats includes locating reed beds on the water and protecting the fragile riverbanks by placing all buildings at least 3.8 m from the water’s edge, creating a buffer to sensitive wildlife areas. An acoustic wall was built during construction to screen important nesting habitats.