Stratford Hackney Bridge

Project Overview
Hackney Bridge involved the delivery of a meanwhile mixed-use development on a temporarily vacant site at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London. The project transformed the site into a cluster of affordable workspaces for small businesses, artists and makers, alongside food and drink outlets, retail units, event space and a community garden. Designed as a flexible and adaptable environment, the scheme provides a vibrant destination that supports creative industries and local engagement. The development occupies a unique central London location and demonstrates how temporary architecture can deliver meaningful social and economic value while longer-term regeneration plans are progressed.

Project Requirements
The client required the creation of a temporary mixed-use destination that could be delivered efficiently while providing high-quality spaces for a diverse range of users. Key objectives included affordability, flexibility and adaptability, allowing the site to accommodate workspaces, retail, food, events and community uses. The project needed to respond to the constraints of a meanwhile site, including planning, programme and compliance requirements, while maintaining a strong architectural identity. Coordination with multiple stakeholders and consultants was essential to achieve a coherent and operationally successful scheme.

Glencar’s Role
Glencar was appointed as main contractor to deliver the design and construction of the meanwhile mixed-use development, coordinating works through to completion and handover.

Responsibilities included:
- Overall construction management and site coordination
- Delivery of temporary and permanent building elements
- Coordination of multiple mixed-use components across the site
- Management of interfaces between workspaces, retail and public areas
- Programme, quality and health and safety management

Scope of Works
Enabling Works / Civils & Infrastructure
- Site preparation and enabling works
- Utilities coordination and infrastructure provision
- External circulation routes and access

Building / Superstructure
- Construction of modular and temporary structures
- Structural framing and envelope works
- Formation of internal and external communal spaces

Fit-Out & Building Services
- Fit-out of workspaces, retail and food units
- Mechanical, electrical and services installations
- Internal finishes to suit mixed-use requirements

External Works & Landscaping
- Public realm and external gathering spaces
- Community garden areas
- Hard and soft landscaping

Technical & Delivery Challenges
Delivering a large-scale meanwhile development required balancing speed, flexibility and compliance within a constrained programme. The temporary nature of the scheme introduced unique design and construction considerations, including adaptability, durability and future demountability. The central London location and prominent park setting required careful coordination with stakeholders and local authorities. Managing multiple uses across the site, each with differing operational needs, required detailed planning and interface management to ensure a cohesive and functional environment.

Delivery Conditions Addressed
- Meanwhile / temporary development
- Central urban location
- Mixed-use integration
- Multiple stakeholder interfaces
- Programme-driven delivery
- Community-facing environment

The Outcome
Hackney Bridge delivers a vibrant mixed-use destination that supports creative enterprise, community engagement and cultural activity within a temporary development framework. The scheme demonstrates how meanwhile projects can deliver high-quality, functional environments while activating underused land. Its success has been recognised through industry awards and positive stakeholder feedback, establishing Hackney Bridge as a benchmark for future meanwhile regeneration projects.