Wildspace Warehouse

Development name: Wildspace Warehouse

Location: Rainham

Size: 4000 m²

Architect: Alison Brooks Architects

Structure: Akera Engineers

Contractor: Volker Fitzpatrick

Client: London Thames Gateway Development Corporation

Alison Brooks Architects designed the Wildspace to be seen from the passing Eurostar trains and from aeroplanes above. Responding to both the scale of the building and its landscape setting at the edge of the Rainham marshes, the units are expressed as 40m wide strips of vibrant colour.

This 4000 m² warehouse refurbishment project in Rainham was commissioned by the London Thames Gateway Development Corporation. From a derelict state ABA created a 200m long ‘supershed’ containing five 800 m² standalone business units with individual service yards, loading bay access and cores. At each end the warehouse’s timber clad ‘wild west’ façade marks the eastern entrance to the Rainham marshes. The building is superinsulated, creating a truly sustainable light industrial building, gaining BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating.

The completion of ABA’s Wildspace Warehouse development for LTGDC brings with it fresh opportunities for successful businesses to re-locate and grow in a unique location. Next door to Rainham station and opposite the recreational and nature conservation area of Rainham Marshes this opportunity creates the potential for businesses to thrive in a completely re-imagined sustainable industrial building.

ABA won the project as a tender through the LDA Framework Agreement in 2009, with work commencing on site September 2010 and completion of the building April 2011.