A landmark decision by a planning inspector has paved the way for a significant development project in the heart of London’s Docklands.

The successful appeal serves as a nuanced nod to the efficacy of such processes for developers keen to realise their ambitions. Initially highlighted by Building and Building Design, the project comprises two residential towers and a cutting-edge data centre, strategically situated within the historic perimeter wall of the former East India Dock.

At present, the 1.39-hectare site, nestled at the western boundary of the once bustling East India Import Dock, is home to Mulberry Place and Lighterman House. These two post-modern office blocks, emblematic of the 1990s architectural style, are set for replacement.

The bold proposal outlines the demolition of these current edifices to make way for a 30-storey residential tower, a 36-storey student accommodation building, and a data centre. Moreover, the scheme incorporates a versatile building designed to offer flexible workspace, areas for community engagement, and possibly a swimming pool.

The driving force behind this transformative initiative is EID (General Partner) LLP, working in close tandem with the architectural and agency trio of Simpson Haugh, Nicholas Webb, and Savills.

However, the path to approval was not straightforward. Presented in October 2022, the proposal met with rejection within the same month. Key reservations voiced by councillors were the perceived “bulkiness” of the structures and potential detrimental effects on the neighbouring Naval Row Conservation Area.

Despite such apprehensions, the council’s planning officers championed the project, underscoring its compliance with affordable housing policies. They further warned that any refusal could be tough to defend if the decision were challenged through an appeal.

In line with their predictions, an appeal was tabled in April 2023. The subsequent green light in October was fortified by planning inspector Callum Parker’s insights. He recognised the increased height of the proposed buildings but also commented on the somewhat drab nature of the blocks set for demolition. Parker further acknowledged the redevelopment’s capacity to enhance open spaces and emphasised its negligible impact on heritage sites such as the former FT Printworks.

Shedding light on the importance of the project, Parker remarked, “In practical terms, this would help better unveil the importance of both the Conservation Area and the listed Dock Wall.”

The data centre, a centrepiece of the development, is slated to cover an impressive 35,000 sqm. This eight-floor colossus is geared to support an IT power capacity of 30MW and will be divided into six halls, each spanning 1,200 sqm. Fundamental to its operation, the centre will harness 18 diesel-powered generators, each delivering 3.3 MW.

Whilst the primary user of the data centre remains under wraps, industry insiders hint at Global Switch and Telehouse, both of which run facilities nearby and have expansion endeavours on the horizon.

The Docklands, steeped in history since its inauguration in 1806, witnessed a renaissance in 1992. The regeneration ushered in the establishment of an office campus, featuring four principal buildings. These premises served businesses in Canary Wharf, alongside the Tower Hamlets Council Town Hall at Mulberry Place.