Chongqing - "The key to industrial heritage regeneration is not to copy and paste solutions," said Matthew Potter, Director of WilkinsonEyre, an international architecture practice based in London, England, during an exclusive interview with Bridging News.
Potter spoke at the 2024 UK-Chongqing Industrial Heritage Protection and Regeneration Workshop on October 18, sharing the UK's best practices in heritage conservation and how Chongqing can learn from them.
Matthew Potter, Director of WilkinsonEyre. (Photo/Matthew Potter)
Industrial revival: engage community and stakeholders
"Chongqing must forge its own path, drawing from its unique cultural legacy," said Potter, highlighting London's King's Cross Gasholders Redevelopment as a prime example of blending historic preservation with modern needs. The project creatively repurposed cast iron frames into residential buildings, demonstrating how old structures can be revitalized for contemporary use.
The King’s Cross redevelopment was infused with energy from its early stages, thanks partly to Central Saint Martins School of Fashion students who helped transform the area into a lively hub for designers, artists, and students. This blend of old and new brought the development to life, making it more than just a static preservation effort.
Potter emphasized that Chongqing can draw lessons from such examples by ensuring that regeneration efforts reflect its own industrial heritage while incorporating new ideas. He stressed that breathing new life into old industrial spaces should not only honor their history but also make them functional and vibrant for the future.
London’s King's Cross Gasholders Redevelopment. (Photo/WilkinsonEyre)
For Chongqing, the key to success lies in involving the local community and stakeholders. "Engaging the people of Chongqing is essential," Potter emphasized. This approach not only ensures that the revitalized spaces serve the needs of the local population but also instills a sense of ownership and pride in the city’s industrial past.
UK-Chongqing collaboration potential
A central theme in Potter’s vision for industrial heritage regeneration is sustainability. “It’s crucial to ensure that these buildings are fit for purpose and promote sustainable energy use,” he explained. Repurposing industrial structures aligns with Chongqing’s goals of reducing carbon emissions and supporting sustainable development.
A prime example of sustainable industrial heritage regeneration is the Battersea Power Station in London. Once a coal-fired power plant, this Grade II listed building has been transformed into a zero-carbon, mixed-use development.
Battersea Power Station in London. (Photo/WilkinsonEyre)
It features one of Europe’s largest combined cooling, heat, and power plants (CCHP), supplying energy to surrounding developments. The project incorporates commercial, retail, residential, and cultural venues while maintaining the building’s historical character.
This innovative approach highlights how industrial landmarks can be reimagined for sustainability, providing a relevant model for UK-Chongqing collaboration in sustainable energy and industrial heritage preservation.
Potter sees vast potential for collaboration between the UK and Chongqing in industrial heritage regeneration, but he also emphasized that it must be a two-way exchange. While UK teams can bring experience and innovative ideas, the real success lies in combining this expertise with local insights to create tailored solutions.
“We want to work with Chongqing’s experts—those who truly understand the city and its unique needs,” Potter explained.