Reimagining Canalside Living
Campbell Wharf
Tasked with reimagining a prominent canal side site, Campbell Wharf in Milton Keynes, for clients Crest Nicholson, we master planned a scheme that addressed both a shift in the demand for housing and a shift in lifestyle aspiration.
The site is associated with a larger redevelopment masterplan along the prestigious Grand Union Canal which runs from London to Birmingham including a new marina, residential and commercial space. Any design needed to give due consideration to the southern part of the master plan which was already under construction.
Our proposal aimed at maximising aspect and views over the canal, creating two corner-turning blocks to frame high quality public realm with a 9 storey feature landmark tower sat within the landscape. A cascading public realm which opens itself to the canal, provides an enticing backdrop to introducing an important pedestrian link connecting canal to Campbell Park.
Utilising the inclined topography of the site allows parking to be catered for discreetly, hidden within a partially subterranean car park, allowing landscape and outdoor amenity to be prioritised.
Building on a legacy of waterfront developments we were ambitious with our design thinking and reapportioned form and density to move from low rise canal townhouses and park villas to high end apartments achieving a total uplift from 34 dwellings to 287 homes.