Royal Docks to be Reimagined as Potential London Grand Prix Host

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17 March 2023

A plan for the Royal Docks to be transformed into a waterfront destination that could host a Grand Prix has been unveiled by the LDN Collective and Dar.

The scheme includes a 20m extension to the existing embankment width, for a length of 2.7km along the Royal Victoria and Royal Albert Dock embankment from ExCeL to the University of East London, creating 48,140 sqm of waterfront land, made up of movable floating modules.

The Royal Docks offer 485 hectares of land, 100 hectares of water and almost 12 miles of waterfront.

Picture: an image showing an imagined F1 Grand Prix route across the London Docklands area. Image Credit: Dar and LDN Collective

“This vision could do for the Royal Docks what the Olympics did for Stratford and the Lea Valley.....We know that Formula 1 are interested in hosting a Grand Prix here and we have designed a track that meets all of their requirements and regulations."

–Max Farrell

CEO, The LDN Collective 

London Grand Prix Masterplan

For fifty weeks of the year, the space would host events and activities for the local community. As the F1 race week approaches, the embankment’s linear park can be disassembled to reveal the FIA-grade surface, while floating units would be reconfigured to provide grandstands, food and beverage outlets and entertainment facilities.

A London Grand Prix in this location would offer a waterside street circuit with a similar experience to Montreal’s circuit, according to the LDN Collective and Dar. The 5,868m circuit would have 22 corners, an average speed of 204 kph and an anticipated lap time of 1’42.1.

The design incorporates a mix of floating and non-floating grandstands with capacity for over 95,000 people and a pit-lane would use ExCeL’s first floor servicing and loading deck as a viewing platform.

A series of floating modules by the water’s edge would provide further community space along the embankment edge and 70,790 sqm for hotels, restaurants and green space.

Max Farrell, CEO of the LDN Collective said, “This vision could do for the Royal Docks what the Olympics did for Stratford and the Lea Valley. By extending the promenade we are creating a flexible eventscape and by creating floating commercial uses we are making the proposal financially viable and deliverable, without the taxpayer footing the bill.

“We know that Formula 1 are interested in hosting a Grand Prix here and we have designed a track that meets all of their requirements and regulations. We have discussed the proposals with the GLA, who are developing a water strategy and planning framework with Newham Council, which we hope to align with. With or without F1, these proposals are transformational and would be a huge boost to London and the UK globally.”

Dan Horner, Director of Urban Design at Dar said, “It’s apparent for anyone visiting the Royal Docks that the water is underutilised, but has huge un-tapped potential. We have approached this large, contained and clean body of water as a platform which can be reconfigured using floating modules, creating a new family orientated leisure and events destination.

“Although floating buildings, structures and spaces are a relatively new concept within the UK, there is a growing number of precedents, notably in Europe, which have been highly successful and cost effective. We believe this is an exciting and viable solution for activating the Dock, making it a world class destination.”

Picture: an image showing an imagined Grand Prix set-up on Royal Docklands, showing the track and spectator area. Image Credit: Dar and LDN Collective

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 17 March 2023

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