Fulham Jetty Set to Open as Educational Centre
Unique landmark in the Thames being refurbished for public use
Council has agreed to developer's plan for refurbishment
Fulham’s most unusual landmark, a once disused jetty sitting in the Thames by Fulham Wharf on Townmead Road, is set to open to the public as an educational and community centre.
H&F Council agreed to plans by developers Riverstone Living to refurbish the jetty - now renamed Riverstone Pier - to make it suitable for community use, ranging from lessons for schoolchildren to social events for adults.
The jetty was originally built for unloading coal used to fuel Fulham Power Station, but was left derelict after the power station closed in the 1960s.
In 2012, it was included in plans by Sainsbury’s and developers Barratt West London to redevelop the disused power station and surrounding land. At the time, it was intended for use as an ecological education centre, and marine civil engineering consultancy Beckett Rankine were given the task of creating a new single storey building, with green roof providing habitats for birds and wildlife and a new staircase to reconnect the jetty with the foreshore.
The jetty has a green roof
Since then, the jetty has had a temporary role as site office and marketing suite during the building of Phase One of Fulham Wharf. Now retirement living specialists Riverstone, owners and operators of Phase 2 of the development, have renamed it Riverstone Pier and are refurbishing it so it can fulfil and expand its originally intended role.
The company’s application said that the existing property is in “a generally haphazard state” with a “confused and cluttered internal layout”, and added: “ Similarly, the external character of the building has diminished over time, with the external cladding and timber decking not having been maintained or cleaned, and most significantly, the green roof not having been properly maintained.”
Improvements to the building include:
• a new prep kitchen
• upgrade of the existing toilets
• provision of 2 further toilets,
• a dedicated new classroom facility with kitchenette, storage and presentation
facilities.
• a flexible open area to accommodate community events
• the upgrade and provision of new MEP (mechanical, electrical and plumbing) equipment
Aerial view of the jetty
Educational activities within the building will be provided by H&F Council and voluntary organisation Urbanwise, which teaches groups of all ages about the environment, and are expected to include lessons for schoolchildren on weekdays, evening classes for adults and family events during weekends.
Riverstone Living will also coordinate events, such as classes on local wildlife and training courses along with social events such as small concerts, wine tasting and art exhibitions.
Planned development in the area
Planning consultants DP9, acting for Riverstone, says that these events will be ticketed with a view to generating revenue and adds: “ This revenue will be used to cross-fund the everyday operation and maintenance of the jetty for use by the community.
“ Under this proposal, it is envisaged the jetty will operate with full flexibility whereby Riverstone and Urbanwise can use the pavilion wholly; or else at the same time if capacities allow. This will ensure maximum usage is made of the jetty floorspace – bringing it back into use as a key community focal point; and enhancing intergenerational interaction between young and old.”
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July 11, 2022