Wick Lane in east London redefines mixed-use development by combining 175 homes with over 2,000 square metres of light industrial and creative workspaces, avoiding the typical ‘beds above sheds’ model to preserve Hackney Wick’s industrial heritage while addressing housing needs.
In the heart of Hackney Wick, east London, dRMM Architects have delivered an ambitious mixed-use development that brings together 175 homes alongside 2,250 square metres of light industrial and creative workspace. This project, known as Wick Lane, forms part of a wider regeneration initiative supported by the London Legacy Development Corporation (LLDC), which seeks to balance the city’s pressing housing needs while safeguarding valuable employment land, particularly the Strategic Industrial Land (SIL) around the area.
Wick Lane sets itself apart from traditional mixed-use developments by deliberately avoiding the conventional “beds above sheds” formula. Instead, it employs a finely tuned co-location strategy in which residential and commercial uses are thoughtfully interwoven across the site. The designs reflect Hackney Wick’s industrial heritage, utilising materials such as red and black brick, metal cladding, cast glass, and ribbed blockwork. This approach imbues each building with a distinct character, with individual structures unified through the consistent use of a dominant material palette applied across roofs, walls, and soffits.
The scheme’s layout is particularly clever in its spatial planning: employment and industrial units line the southern boundary adjacent to existing industrial areas, acting as a buffer zone to protect the residential blocks from noise and activity. Podium gardens provide green communal spaces that create an appealing transition between the workspaces and living areas. Notably, 72% of the homes are dual aspect, maximising natural light and offering views towards the Greenway, a linear park that connects the locality to Victoria Park and the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
The industrial and creative spaces within Wick Lane are designed to accommodate a variety of maker businesses, start-ups, and light industrial enterprises. These units, some double-height and street-facing, form vibrant hubs of activity operated by local enterprise Tradestars, with interiors tailored by designer Sophie Franks. The scheme also fosters social interaction through shared courtyards and lanes, ensuring a balanced and cohesive environment that caters to both living and working needs. The landscape design, by Grant Associates, further enhances the integration of nature and community spaces within the development.
dRMM first engaged with the Hackney Wick area in 2013 via the LLDC’s Design and Planning Guidance. This long-term involvement allowed the practice to develop a nuanced understanding of how to create cohesive spaces that respect the industrial legacy while introducing new forms of urban living. Will Howard, a senior associate at dRMM, described the project as “a wonderful reimagining of the spirit of Hackney Wick and Fish Island,” and an example of “delightful places to both live and work in, in close proximity.”
However, it is important to note that while Wick Lane is a successful realisation of dRMM’s vision, another separate dRMM-related development in the nearby area, known as The Factory at Monier Road, has faced significant challenges. Designed initially by dRMM but delivered by another architect, this mixed-use project was halted and is now set for demolition due to potential structural issues uncovered after construction had partially progressed. This incident highlights the complexities and risks involved in delivering innovative urban regeneration schemes in rapidly evolving areas like Hackney Wick.
Overall, Wick Lane stands as one of London’s most ambitious examples of harmoniously blending residential and industrial uses within a single development. It respects and celebrates the gritty industrial and creative heritage of Hackney Wick while addressing contemporary urban demands for mixed-use communities that support diverse economic activities and foster social resilience.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative presents recent developments in Hackney Wick, with the latest information from May 2025. The project was completed in January 2024, and the most recent news mentions its shortlisting for the RIBA London Awards in February 2025. No evidence of recycled or outdated content was found. The inclusion of updated data justifies a higher freshness score.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
The quotes attributed to Will Howard and Philip Marsh are consistent with their previous statements found in other reputable sources. No significant variations or discrepancies were noted. The consistent use of these quotes across multiple sources suggests they are accurately attributed.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from BDOnline, a reputable UK-based architecture and construction news outlet. The information aligns with details from dRMM’s official website and other established publications, indicating a high level of reliability.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about the Wick Lane development’s design, completion, and recent shortlisting for awards are corroborated by multiple reputable sources. The narrative’s tone and language are consistent with professional architectural reporting. No inconsistencies or implausible elements were identified.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative provides accurate and up-to-date information about dRMM’s Wick Lane development in Hackney Wick. The content is fresh, with no signs of recycled material, and the quotes are consistently attributed. The source is reliable, and the claims made are plausible and supported by multiple reputable outlets. Therefore, the overall assessment is a PASS with high confidence.
