The Hickman Development in Whitechapel
Industrial Heritage Reimagined: A Courtyard Revival at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry
In the heart of East London, where echoes of craftsmanship once rang from the Whitechapel Bell Foundry, a striking transformation has given new life to one of Britain’s most iconic industrial sites. Originally established in 1830 by Buck and Hickman, a tool and sawmaker of over 100 years’ standing, the foundry famously produced such cultural landmarks as Big Ben and the Liberty Bell. Today, the site stands revitalised—carefully redeveloped into a multi-use destination that honours its storied past while embracing modern urban living.
At the core of this reimagining is The Yard, a 5,100 sq ft shared courtyard, now a versatile outdoor hub for work, rest, and social connection. Fully accessible via the development’s main reception and fitted with Wi-Fi, lighting, and power, this vibrant courtyard offers a welcome breath of outdoor space in one of London’s most densely populated quarters.
Bridging Legacy with Lifestyle
The design brief was clear: to preserve the industrial spirit of the Whitechapel Bell Foundry, while integrating a modern sense of comfort, function, and aesthetic cohesion. The design team successfully balanced these needs, transforming the old tool workshop into a contemporary courtyard retreat that feels at once authentic and current.
Working alongside Urban Planters Chelmsford, Europlanters played a central role in realising the courtyard’s vision—providing bespoke planters and furniture that harmonise with the site’s industrial heritage and architectural detailing.
“We were thrilled to contribute to a project that so beautifully weaves together history, craftsmanship and contemporary design,” said a spokesperson for Europlanters.
Materials That Tell a Story
To reflect the foundry’s roots, Europlanters designed and supplied 16 large planting beds fabricated in metal with a RAL 8018 finish, a rich brown tone that echoes traditional ironwork. These planters were paired with warm Iroko hardwood accents, adding both texture and contrast to the surfaces.
In addition to the planting beds, Europlanters delivered two integrated benches with backrests, two standalone benches, and a generous storage bench, all meticulously designed to sit seamlessly within the architectural context.
Further enhancing the courtyard’s functionality are three high-level communal tables and nine robust stools, allowing the space to shift easily between casual lounging and collaborative working. These furnishings create a sense of flexibility and durability—ideal for an area intended for daily use by hotel guests, office workers, and visitors alike.
Celebrating the Industrial Aesthetic
What makes this project particularly noteworthy for architects and landscape designers is its sensitive approach toadaptive reuse. Instead of erasing the past, the courtyard’s design draws inspiration from it—using a restrained palette of raw, honest materials to complement the existing structure.
The tactile appeal of powder-coated steel, the warmth of Iroko, and the clean geometry of the furnishings pay homage to the site’s manufacturing legacy while delivering a space that feels relevant and usable for today’s audience. The design doesn’t just preserve history—it actively reinterprets it.
A Template for Contextual Design
In a city where space is at a premium and heritage preservation is paramount, the Whitechapel Bell Foundry courtyard offers an inspiring model for context-sensitive urban design. It shows how outdoor areas can be both utilitarian and poetic, serving current needs while continuing to tell the stories of the past.
For architects and landscape professionals, the project is a compelling case study in placemaking through thoughtful detailing, creative collaboration, and material intelligence.
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