The £3.5 billion transformation of Millennium Mills into a creative hub has been endorsed by Mayor of London Boris Johnson, as work commences on the creation of the Silvertown Quays neighbourhood.
The scheme cleared its final planning hurdle last month, prompting the Mayor to comment: “By breathing new life into this wonderful old flour mill we can rejuvenate this area of London and contribute some serious dough to the city’s economy.”
The project aims to create up to 150 workplaces in the building. Developers have taken inspiration from New York’s fashionable Meatpacking district, once thought of as little more than as a post-industrial waste ground.
Some preparatory work to remove asbestos and demolish parts of the interior of Millennium Mills started this year, following a £12 million government grant. The mills will be at the centre of a 62-acre district beside Royal Victoria Dock, which will have 3,000 new homes -35 per cent classed as affordable.
It will also house the world’s first permanent “business experience” park, where it is hoped some of the biggest brands will set up visitor centres.
