Stratford Waterfront forms a central element of East Bank, a landmark £1.1 billion cultural and educational development at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Designed to become London’s next major cultural destination, Stratford Waterfront brings together world-renowned institutions including the V&A East, Sadler’s Wells, BBC, and London College of Fashion.
Evans by Shay Murtagh was appointed to provide specialist architectural precast solutions, delivering over 700 bespoke precast concrete (PCC) units across the scheme. The scope of works included the design, manufacture, and supply of architectural precast terraces, stairs, landings, walls, benches, planters, and bespoke paving.
- Client: London Legacy Development Corporation
- Project Management Partner: Mace
- Main Contractor: Careys Civil Engineering
- Landscape Architect: LDA Design
- Lead Architect: Allies & Morrison
- Contract Value: £2 million
- Completion: September 2023
- Site: 8 Carpenters Road, Stratford, London E20 1JR
Evans by Shay Murtagh were first contacted by cost consultants Gardiner & Theobald (G&T) in Autumn 2016 for early-stage design and costing advice. From 2018, the team worked closely with LDA Design to progress design development.
This early-stage involvement included:
- Input on design modelling and panelisation of precast units.
- Development of bespoke concrete mix designs tailored for the scheme.
- Coordination with the client team during site visits to finalise mix selections.
Design Development & Manufacture
With Careys appointed as main contractor in early 2022, detailed design and manufacture commenced. Evans by Shay Murtagh undertook:
- Full Tekla 3D modelling of all precast elements, ensuring accuracy, coordination, and constructability.
- Manufacture of over 700 bespoke PCC units, including:
- Seating terraces
- Planters
- Retaining walls
- Paving
- Stairs
This level of modelling and detailing provided exceptional clarity for both on-site installation and future coordination, supporting the delivery of a highly complex landscape scheme. Through 2022–2023, Evans by Shay Murtagh successfully delivered precast units across multiple key areas:
- Main Seating Terraces
- Waterfront Square
- Stratford Walk
- Entrance stairs to Sadler’s Wells Theatre and V&A Museum
The scheme was completed and officially opened to the public in September 2023, with Evans by Shay Murtagh’s contribution integral to the identity of the public realm.
Technical Highlights
- Over 700 bespoke PCC units supplied across terraces, planters, walls, stairs, and paving.
- Mix Design: OPC/SWF 50-50 blend.
- Finish: Medium/Heavy Acid Etch.
Project Significance
The Stratford Waterfront scheme represents the largest cultural investment in London since the Festival of Britain and South Bank in the 1950s. The public realm plays a central role in unifying diverse buildings, offering inclusive and welcoming spaces for art, performance, and community activity.
Evans by Shay Murtagh’s specialist precast solutions delivered robust, high-quality landscape elements that not only serve functional needs but also enhance the cultural and aesthetic ambitions of the project.
