English Heritage has issued two reports outlining its vision for the redevelopment of a controversial site on the fringe of the City of London. The conservation body has recommended that a mixed-use development be built above the Bishopsgate Goods Yard site.
London Underground had wanted to knock down the site’s historic Braithwaite Viaduct and adjoining railway arches to make way for the extension of the East London Line. But the government has since awarded the viaduct a grade II listing, meaning it is unlikely to be demolished.

One of the reports, by architect Kim Wilkie Associates, recommends that the arches on the 4 ha site should be retained to help create a multilayered development. A second report, by engineer Alan Baxter Associates, says LU could build the Tube extension on top of the arches themselves. LU has stated in the past that it felt the arches were unsafe to construct upon.

Site owner Railtrack has drawn up a shortlist of 12 architects to work up a masterplan, including Dutch star Rem Koolhaas.