Over Station Development, East Woolwich

Located within the Royal Arsenal Riverside masterplan in Woolwich, OSD East brings together 507 mixed-use tenure homes, commercial space and public realm above and around the existing Elizabeth line station.

Appointed as both Architect and Landscape Architect, Bond Bryan developed a landscape strategy that transforms a highly constrained infrastructure-led site into a series of welcoming, bio diverse and people-focused spaces. From active streetscapes and residential entrances to elevated podium gardens and play spaces, the landscape plays a central role in creating a connected and distinctive community.

The landscape strategy was fundamental to unlocking the site’s potential, integrating new homes, commercial uses and transport infrastructure within a coherent and accessible environment. Working above the existing station structures required carefully coordination of levels, drainage, planting, and technical constraints in order to create a robust and usable external space.

At ground level, the landscape enhances key pedestrian routes and residential frontages, strengthening connections through the wider Royal Arsenal Riverside neighbourhood. Above ground level, the landscape enhances key pedestrian routes and residential frontages, strengthening connections through the wider Royal Arsenal Riverside neighbourhood. Above, a private podium garden provides residents with a diverse range of amenity spaces, incorporating areas for relaxation, social interaction, play and wellbeing.

The landscape was designed to support a rich variety of experiences while responding to the practical challenges of building over critical transport infrastructure, demonstrating how high-density residential development can still provide meaningful access to nature and outdoor space.

Landscape-led design helped create a healthier and more sociable residential environment, bringing nature into the heart of a dense urban environment. Distinct character areas across the podium garden encourage different forms of use, from quiet contemplation and informal recreation to children’s play and communal gathering.

A significant play provision strategy supports families living within the development, while generous planting and tree cover create a greener outlook for residents and contribute to a wider public realm experience. The landscape also helps soften the scale of the surrounding buildings, creating a more human-centered environment that encourages movement, interaction and connection.

By integrating high-quality public realm improvements alongside private resident amenities, the project contributes positively to the ongoing regeneration of Woolwich and the wider Royal Arsenal Riverside community.

Sustainability and wellbeing were embedded throughout the landscape approach. Extensive tree planting, diverse planting palettes and biodiverse habitats help enhance ecological value while improving the quality of the urban environment.

The landscape design prioritises health and wellbeing through access to green space, opportunities for play, and a range of communal outdoor environments that encourage social interaction and everyday connection with nature. Planting and landscape interventions also support urban cooling, improve visual amenity and contribute to a more resilient external environment.