WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff is to provide structural and geotechnical engineering for Westferry Printworks in London’s Docklands.

The project involves the regeneration of a 16-acre site of the former Westferry Printworks, adjacent to Millwall Docks, into a vibrant new waterfront neighbourhood near Canary Wharf. WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff will be working alongside PLP Architects and Mace Developments for Northern & Shell PLC, which set up and operated the printworks since the 1980s.

The new neighbourhood will feature over 700 homes (including 140 affordable homes), 40,000 sq ft of commercial and retail space, community centre, crèche and healthcare facilities and a new secondary school, which will have 1,200 places. The site has also been designed to allow up to 75% of the land to be used for open spaces and waterside walks, two new parks and a new south facing dockside waterfront promenade.

The buildings range from four to 30 storeys, and WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff’s extensive experience of high-rise and mid-rise residential developments in Docklands, along with its significant knowledge of the ground conditions at Millwall Dock area, has enabled efficient foundation and basement solutions coupled with elegant designs in keeping with the growing Canary Wharf area.

WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff is the engineer behind London’s tallest residential and commercial skyscrapers including the Shard, 22 Bishopsgate, One Undershaft as well as South Quay Plaza and Newfoundland in Docklands.

Jane Richards, WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff head of structures, said: “We’re proud to be working on a project where the unique, long term investment approach will provide the local area a lasting legacy. Our structures business is built on our reputation for tall building design that creates new communities and sustains existing ones, and Westferry Printworks continues our longstanding involvement with the most iconic projects in London and the Docklands.”