REGENERATION AT GREENWICH PENINSULA
Construction is now underway on Meridian Quays, a significant new phase within the Peninsula Quays development at Greenwich Peninsula — directly opposite the O2 (Millennium Dome). This forms part of the wider Greenwich Peninsula masterplan, the largest single redevelopment London has seen in a generation.
Positioned on a prime west-facing waterfront site with uninterrupted views across the Thames to Canary Wharf, Meridian Quays is designed to maximise both architectural quality and long-term placemaking value. However, delivering major development at this location presents complex engineering and logistical challenges.
The site sits within a highly constrained urban environment, with immediate proximity to critical Transport for London (TfL) infrastructure and assets. Any increase in ground loading had to be carefully managed to avoid overstressing existing transport structures and underground services.
Key constraints included:
• Strict limitations on imposed ground loads
• Sensitive adjacent TfL assets
• Limited construction space and tight logistics
• Phased development requirements
The solution required a material that could reduce dead load while still providing structural reliability and long-term performance.
FACTS
Amount of material: 8500m3 of LECA LWA (10-20mm)
Interesting Fact: By integrating lightweight geotechnical solutions early in the programme, the project team has enabled future phases to proceed on a stable and optimised ground platform.
Delivery Method: Walking Floor
Main Contractor: Galldris Group
The Engineering Challenge
The Solution: Leca® Lightweight Aggregate (LWA)
To address these constraints, over 8,500 m³ of Leca® Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate (10–20 mm) has been specified and supplied for the enabling and groundwork phases.
Why Leca® LWA?
1. Significant Load Reduction
With a bulk density substantially lower than traditional fill materials, Leca® LWA reduces vertical stresses on underlying soils and adjacent infrastructure. This was critical in minimising additional loading on TfL assets.
2. Structural Stability
Despite its low weight, Leca® LWA provides excellent shear strength and stiffness characteristics, creating stable foundation and working layers capable of supporting future construction phases.
3. Improved Constructability
The material’s lightweight nature improves handling efficiency and can accelerate programme delivery — particularly valuable on restricted urban sites.
4. Long-Term Performance
Leca® LWA is durable, chemically inert, and maintains its engineering properties over time, supporting the long-term resilience of the development.
Phased Delivery
Meridian Quays is being delivered in key stages as part of a long-term regeneration strategy. The current works represent the first phase of what will become a transformational addition to the Greenwich Peninsula skyline.
By integrating lightweight geotechnical solutions early in the programme, the project team has enabled future phases to proceed on a stable and optimised ground platform.
Project Partners
• Main Contractor: Galldris Group
• Government Body: Transport for London (TfL)
• Logistics Partner: Roger Warnes Transport Ltd
Close collaboration between contractor, asset owner and supply chain has been essential to unlocking this complex urban site.
Delivering Regeneration at Scale
Meridian Quays demonstrates how innovative material selection can help overcome the constraints of dense urban development. By reducing ground loading while maintaining structural integrity, Leca® LWA enables safe construction adjacent to critical infrastructure — without compromising architectural ambition.
A strong example of how lightweight geotechnical solutions can support regeneration, resilience, and buildability in major metropolitan projects.
Project Update May 2026
Utilising Geotextile Grids for increased structural stability
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