Inventory Site Record

Chelsea Harbour is redeveloped railway land between Chelsea Creek and the former West London Extenuation Railway, and was developed from 1981onwards. The former basin of Kensington Canal is now a marina that forms the focal point of the development. Landscaping was an integral part of the scheme, and around the site perimeter and internal courtyards are lawns with shrub and flower beds, with formal planting around the marina. Display of sculpture was an early feature of the development and there are a number of permanently-sited sculptural works.

Site location:

Lots Road, Chelsea Harbour

Postcode:

SW10 0XE

What 3 Words:

grades.bravo.mugs

Type of site:

Private Open Land

Borough:

Hammersmith & Fulham

Open to public?

Yes

Opening times:

unrestricted to most of the site, but some designated Residents Only.

Special conditions:

Facilities:

Design Centre: shops, restaurants, bars, Design Cafe; The Marina; car parking

Events:

Public transport:

London Overground: Imperial Wharf. Tube: Earls Court (Piccadilly, District); Fulham Broadway (District) then bus. Bus C3, 11, 22

Citymapper    
Google Map    
streetmap.co.uk

Research updated:

01/07/2011

Last minor changes:

19/07/2023

Please check with the site owner or manager for latest news. www.chelsea-harbour.co.uk

Chelsea Harbour is redeveloped railway land between Chelsea Creek and the former West London Extenuation Railway, and was developed from 1981onwards to designs by Ray Moxley and Peter Bedford. The railway was built over the Kensington Canal and the basin was retained as a dock. Shown as Railway Dock in the 1948 version of Bartholomew’s map, it is now Chelsea Harbour Marina, which formed a focal point in the regeneration of the area. By the early 1980s, this riverside landscape had become run-down, with buildings, factories and wharves becoming derelict. Two companies, P&O and Globe, then purchased a 20-acre site of former coal yards for a new development, which was to provide 'a unique world of houses, flats, offices, restaurants and shops' with a luxury hotel and a marina. It is now the home of Design Centre Chelsea Harbour reputedly the largest design centre in Europe with 70 showrooms, and the Chelsea Harbour Marina, which has 52 berths. Although a private development there is public access to the site and a riverside walk was laid out that forms part of the Thames Path.

Landscaping was an integral part of the scheme, and around the outside of the site and in courtyards of blocks of flats there are lawns with shrub and flower beds. Around the marina there is formal planting of large square earthenware tubs embossed with the Chelsea Harbour logo. The planting consists of a mixture of small trees and flowering plants. From the early days, the development regularly displayed sculptural works, which were arranged in conjunction with The Sculpture Company. A number of sculptures and artefacts are found on the site and include 'The Gateway of Hands', 1994, by Glynn Williams, a two-part work in bronze that stands beside Harbour Avenue near the Lots Road entrance and was acquired by P&O for the development. The Admiralty Anchor, a forged iron anchor that was found in Portsmouth Harbour, was sited within a circular paved area by the Thames Path in 1989 between Chelsea Yacht Club and the Belvedere. The Harbour Yard and the Design Centre have atria with potted plants, cycads being a special feature.

Sources consulted:

Bridget Cherry and Nikolaus Pevsner, 'The Buildings of England London 3: North West' (Penguin, 1999 ed) p224; Chelsea Harbour Sculpture 1996 Trail Guide; Barbara Denny, ''Fulham Past', Historical Publications, 1997. See also Hammersmith Council website Historical Sculptures Search

Grid ref:

TQ263767 (526380,176750)

Size in hectares:

Site ownership:

Chelsea Harbour Ltd

Site management:

Chelsea Harbour Ltd

Date(s):

1981

Designer(s):

Ray Moxley and Peter Bedford

Listed structures:

None

On National Heritage List for England (NHLE), Parks & Gardens:

No

Registered common or village green on Commons Registration Act 1965:

No

Protected under London Squares Preservation Act 1931:

No

Local Authority Data

The information below is taken from the relevant Local Authority's planning legislation, which was correct at the time of research but may have been amended in the interim. Please check with the Local Authority for latest planning information.

On Local List:

No

In Conservation Area:

No

Tree Preservation Order:

No

Nature Conservation Area:

No

Green Belt:

No

Metropolitan Open Land:

No

Special Policy Area:

Yes - Site 22 Chelsea Creek, EN 27 nature conservation, EN 28 green corridors

Other LA designation:

None

Chelsea Harbour - Photo: Colin Wing
Date taken: 13/04/21 10:25

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