Tower blocks up to 35 storeys tall with pool planned beside O2 Arena

Developers Knight Dragon have submitted plans to Greenwich Council for two tower blocks including 866 new homes for rent at a site beside Waterview Drive near the O2 Arena in North Greenwich.

The two buildings form part of a wider scheme by Knight Dragon to deliver 17,000 homes to Greenwich Peninsula.

A proposed outer view of the eastern side of the 19 storey building included in the plans

The taller of the two buildings reaches 35 storeys at its highest point, while the neighbouring tower is 19 storeys tall.

Planning documents by Jo Cowen Architects, on behalf of Knight Dragon, said the ground floor of the buildings includes a library room, coworking space, concierge and swimming pool.

The developers said: “Residents who use the pool and sauna facilities can enjoy privacy via a carefully designed art wall, the external small garden on the north serves as an additional screening element.

"The pool area has a high-level visual connection reaching towards the central lobby and the southern public realm.”

Rooms in the towers were also said to be designed with “high levels of privacy”, with balconies and windows being placed to prevent overlooking from neighbouring flats.

A proposed view of the two buildings as seen from Western Boulevard looking north east

They added that “habitable rooms are naturally ventilated, have a generous frontage with large areas of full height glazing” which would maximise the amount of daylight coming in.

The plans also include a number of improvements to the area around the towers such as a plaza, outdoor gym area and spaces for children to play.

The developers said glass was used in the design for the landscape to prioritise “openness and transparency”.

They said the existing walkway will be transformed into a “more welcoming and pedestrian-friendly environment with trees, street lights, and a small garden”.

The developers are also considering using the roofs of the buildings as a space for residents to work and socialise.

The shorter of the two buildings includes a kitchen and dining space, games room, offices and terrace area.

They said: “To ensure the scheme exceeds expected requirements of a Build to Rent scheme, there is the opportunity at roof level for a variety of unique spaces to work, meet, network, create and be inspired, as well as an external terrace area with views to the river.”

Knight Dragon said in planning documents that both Greenwich Council’s Local Plan and the London Plan from the Greater London Authority had been considered when designing the blocks.

The developers said careful attention had been paid to the comfort of residents when planning the height of the two buildings.

They said: “The aspiration is to design a new urban quarter to the northwest of the Greenwich Peninsula, anchoring the neighbourhood together as well as revitalising the waterfront with views of Canary Wharf.”