DMWR Architects were appointed by the developer SKMC for this highly prestigious landmark project in the summer of 2000 as architect and lead consultant to prepare a full and detailed planning application for a multi-storey mixed-use tower development in London Docklands.

The striking form and design of the proposal was conceived in house over a period of months and following various client approval stages and was developed into a full planning application deposited in March 2003. A resolution to grant Planning Permission was granted less than a year later in March 2004 conditional on the execution of a Section 106 Agreement and the approval of the development by the Civil Aviation Authority. Full planning was received in March 2005.

As lead consultant, DMWR were pivotal in selecting and assembling the design team that successfully went on to secure the full and detailed planning consent. This 100,000 sqm development in West India Quay incorporates a mix of office, hotel and residential uses together with a variety of retail, leisure and public spaces and amenities. It is sited adjacent to a Grade I listed Napoleonic Warehouse building now converted into the Museum of Docklands.

The mixed use concept was very much supported by Tower Hamlets Planning Officers as it was the external form and expression of the design. Consequently, by a series of pre-application meetings, DMWR were able to gain support from not only the LPA but also the GLA and the Commission for Architecture in the Built Environment.