Rainham Riverside Belvedere

The brief for sheltered seating was developed through engagement with the local community. The Belvedere exceeds requirements, providing a new riverside destination and landmark, with shelter, picnic seating, elevated river views, and interpretation of historic and natural site features, including the former Ferry Inn (later Three Crowns) river crossing and Murex ferroalloy metals foundry, and present open mosaic habitat (OMH) grassland with distinctive flora and fauna. The structure sits at the confluence of three paths beside a large Tilda Rice processing plant. The site’s isolation has attracted anti-social behaviour, so the design deflects bike movements around the Belvedere onto the paths away from the OMH, whilst leading pedestrians onto the fully accessible raised deck with views across the Thames flood defence wall. Secured by Design (SbD) required a non-combustible structure and the BID’s brief included zero/low maintenance for sustainability, therefore the Belvedere is entirely steel, which also responds to the site’s history and coastal exposure. Galvanized and ppc Corten colour finishes relate to Peter Beard / Landroom and East’s nearby marsh interventions. The roof form accentuates the landscape infrastructure around the Belvedere, its apron enhancing shape and shelter, and providing a fascia for laser-cut ‘Rainham Riverside’ signage. Expanded metal mesh balustrading ensures visual permeability for safety (SbD), and gabion limestone fill creates habitat for OMH reptiles and invertebrates, supporting biodiversity. Complex statutory approvals beyond Planning included Port of London agreement and Flood Risk Activity Permit (FRAP) from the Environment Agency due to construction within 16m of the tidal defence. The project relates to other local Good Growth programme enhancements by Untitled Practice for the BID.