The Hub, Newham, London, E16
About the Project
- Principal designer: Eger Architects
- Client: West Ham and Plaistow New Deal Partnership
- Principal contractor: Durkan Pudelek
- Principal engineer: Arup
- Contract value: £2.96 million
The Hub is one of three new community resource centres identified by Newham in its New Deal for Communities delivery plan.
It is an innovative building that wears green credentials on its sleeve and has already made a big impact on the community it serves.
The scheme opened in October 2004 and accommodates business start-up units, a café, pharmacy, nursery and multi-purpose community hall.
The construction team sought high levels of daylight and insulation to minimise energy use. A rainwater harvesting sysem used for toilet flushing and irrigation is expected to contribute 50 percent savings on mains water every year.
The innovative, demountable design has had an extremely positive effect on the community, and has even led to the in-house community mental health team recording a reduction in high-stress situations with clients.
The Judges said:
"We liked the optimism that was represented by this high-quality social, as well as physical regeneration project."