The Mayor of London Boris Johnson has put his weight behind Aluna as a proposal that must be realised in London in time for the London 2012 Olympics:
“It is clear to me that a unique and imaginative landmark like Aluna would be another great symbol of the cultural legacy London 2012 will leave the capital and the country. It would showcase the best of British creativity and engineering, and offer inspiring opportunities for intercultural dialogue and understanding. Powered by the tidal river Thames and built from glass recycled by Londoners themselves, a world first like Aluna would draw international visitors to this part of East London and engage Londoners. The riverside location at the East India Dock Basin seems a perfect spot for such an intriguing art work and Aluna would complement the existing nature reserve. I wish the Aluna team every success in taking this project forward."
Boris Johnson, Mayor of London
Aluna Bids for East India Dock Basin London E14
Aluna’s world-class team were joined in June by RIBA-award winners Edward Cullinan Architects, renowned exhibition designers Land Design Studio, culture and regeneration specialists David Powell Associates and destination consultants Locum Consulting to develop a complete proposal for the regeneration of East India Dock Basin, London E14 (click here to view pdf map). It was submitted to landowners Lee Valley Regional Park Authority and London Thames Gateway Development Corporation in July, in response to a competitive marketing brief. We are one of four proposals who have been short-listed and interviewed for further consideration. Watch this space for further news!
click to enlarge sketch by Edward Cullinan Architects
click to enlarge image by Mark Glean
The Aluna Project proposal is to transform this rare waterfront site into a world class destination that includes an iconic landmark sculpture (Aluna!); a fully sustainable, green-roofed Eco-Cultural Centre providing education, exhibition and performance spaces as well as café, retail and conference facilities; and the protection and enhancement of the nature reserve. The development will be entirely zero-carbon and the first of its kind in London, and once up and running it will also be self-sustaining.
East India Dock Basin is a site of historic and ecological importance in close proximity to the Greenwich Meridian and directly opposite The O2 Millennium Dome. It is one of the last remaining pieces of waterfront Metropolitan Open Land on the Thames’ north bank. Located on the Thameside promontory, Aluna will celebrate the tidal entrance to this unique heritage site, and Aluna’s innovation, materials and technologies will echo the Lea Valley’s past industrial and maritime heritage whilst looking forward to a future where people and planet can coexist in sustainable ways.
The Aluna Project proposal was supported by a consortium of local stakeholders comprising of British Waterways, Urban Space Management, Leaside Regeneration, Trinity Buoy Wharf Trust and East Thames Housing.
London Sponsors
Aluna has received development funding from agencies including the Mayor of London (Greater London Authority), London Thames Gateway Development Corporation and Docklands Light Railway, as well as the Sir Robert McAlpine Group, Trinity Buoy Wharf Trust and the Michael Davies Charitable Settlement. Visit our Sponsors page for further information.
Funding Needed to Secure London Site
Although the support has never been stronger, we are by no means home and dry regarding securing the site at East India Dock Basin. Aluna’s realisation in London by 2012 depends entirely on financial backers to come forward during possibly one of the worst economic crises in history. We urgently need development funding as well as significant capital funding pledges. If you want to support one of the most unique projects ever to be realised in London, then please get in touch! Aluna presents an exciting and high profile sponsorship opportunity in the lead up, during and post London 2012. Please call Laura Williams at the Project Office +44 (0)20 7536 7632 or email sponsorship@alunatime.org.
Individuals can also donate via PayPal by visiting our Friends page. Your contributions are hugely appreciated and will be acknowledged.
Register Your Support
If you would like to receive newsletters please join our mailing list by filling in this form, and register your support for Aluna in London. We welcome your comments, and would love to hear why you would like to see Aluna built in the ‘home of time’. If you would like to contact us direct, email team@alunatime.org.
London Endorsers
Aluna has received the backing of major arts, science and regeneration figures in London including the Mayor of London Boris Johnson, London Assembly Member Nicky Gavron, Dame Jude Kelly OBE, Sir Terry Farrell, Mike Davies CBE, Professor the Baroness Lola Young of Hornsey OBE, Director of London Sustainability Exchange Samantha Heath and the President of the Royal Society Lord Martin Rees. Aluna is also endorsed by Docklands Light Railway (which would be the main overland public transport to the site), British Waterways, TourEast London and local residents. Support continues to grow. Click here to read all their endorsements.
Tower Hamlets give their support
Leading London politicians Councillor Denise Jones and Jim Fitzpatrick MP are enthusiastic about Aluna's potential realisation in their East London constituencies:
Councillor Denise Jones of London Borough of Tower Hamlets says:"The Aluna project is a unique imaginative and educational arts installation that will be of interest to all communities in Tower Hamlets."
Jim Fitzpatrick MP - Poplar & Canning Town London says: "Aluna is the perfect landmark to represent London and the nation in 2012 because it unites people on a global and local level. It will provide a shared public space for the people of East London, and act as a beautiful reminder of our maritime history. By using glass recycled by Londoners Aluna will be both a product of, and a long-term legacy for, local communities."
Tower Hamlets E14 or Greenwich SE10 to host Aluna for 2012?
Greenwich Council are competing with Tower Hamlets to host the project on their side of the river. Council officers are researching a number of locations in close proximity to the Meridian. Click here to read what Councillor Chris Roberts, Leader of Greenwich Council has to say.
Aluna in The London Press
Aluna has been written about in The Docklands, The London Paper, The Evening Standard, Waltham Forest Guardian and The Wharf. Click here to read February 2008's press statement released by LTGDC.
Luan Dun, City of The Moon
London, says Francis Crossley, is "Luan-dun", Celtic for "City of the Moon", and tradition says there was once a temple of Diana (the Moon) where St. Paul's now stands. Greenwich he derives from "Grian-wich", Celtic for "City of the Sun". (Dictionary of Phrase and Fable 1898)
