Stone Wharf

East is leading the landscape and public realm for Stone Wharf – one of the remaining wharves along the Paddington Basin to retain their heritage character. The design intends to sensitively refurbish and enhance the existing site, preserving its historical elements while introducing flexible, community-oriented spaces. The goal is to create an engaging, usable, and sustainable public realm that serves the local community and supports long-term, diverse uses.

A major aim of the project is to improve accessibility throughout the site. This includes repairing the historic cobbled path and introducing a more accessible route along the canal, ensuring inclusive access for all.

To encourage greater use of the space and attract a wider audience, the design incorporates informal play elements and integrated storage to support educational and cultural activities. The site will also feature flexible, amphitheatre-like seating areas that invite gatherings, performances, and community use, helping to animate the space throughout the year as well as during the Cavalcade event.

Situated right by Paddington, the project aims to make the most of this public asset by enhancing its features and functionality, allowing for varied programming while maintaining the site’s unique character.

Heritage is central to the vision for Stone Wharf, one of the last remaining wharves along the Paddington Basin to retain its original character. The design approach is rooted in a deep respect for the site’s historical significance and its material legacy. All existing features will be carefully preserved, with particular attention given to the historic setts, which will be retained and sensitively repaired to ensure their continued use while improving accessibility. The open, expansive quality of the wharf will be maintained, preserving its strong visual and physical connection to the boats and the water’s edge. By working with, rather than over, the existing fabric of the site, the design ensures that the unique character and atmosphere of the wharf are not only protected but celebrated for future generations.

The overall strategy ensures that this heritage-rich site becomes a vibrant, multifunctional space at the heart of Westminster.