London railway arches converted into modern space

The project, which was delivered by Pick Everard in partnership with Stephen George + Partners (SGP), sees the rejuvenation of an area steeped in history located only 16 minutes away from the City of London.

Creating a space suitable for light industrial use, works completed at Witan Street, Bethnal Green have included comprehensive surveys of the arch structures and original brickwork, with new interiors installed alongside glazed infills and electric roller shutter doors.

The new commercial spaces are part of Project 1000, The Arch Company’s £200m plan to bring a thousand empty or derelict spaces into use across England and Wales by 2030.

Providing expertise in structural, civil and building engineering, Santosh Patel, strategic account director at Pick Everard, said: “From concept to completion, we were able to advise and coordinate with SGP to allow efficient structural and drainage solutions to be designed.

“This collaborative approach has delivered exceptional results that converts the unused archways into modern industrial units, creating spaces that are both functional and versatile. With every inch of space in London highly valuable, the regeneration of the arches grants exciting new opportunities.

“It’s been a rewarding experience to once again collaborate with SGP and The Arch Company on a development that will support local businesses and enrich the urban area of Bethnal Green.”

Alan Soper, studio director at SGP, said: “Urban industrial property can play a vital part in local economies, yet good-sized, modern industrial space close to central London is often difficult to find.

“That’s why we’re delighted to be working with The Arch Company on the transformation of these previously unloved arches on Witan Street into vital commercial spaces that will suit a variety of industrial occupiers and support their daily operations in a location close to the heart of one of the busiest cities in the world.

“Witan Street, with its nearby transport links to central London, is perfectly located for commercial businesses to thrive and it’s incredibly gratifying to have refurbishment work complete and see these arches back in productive use.”

Elsewhere in London, work has commenced on the refurbishment of four disused and dilapidated railway arches on America Street, Southwark, into spaces for restaurants, cafés and bars.