BDP completes Wuhan Masterplan

BDP has completed a commission by Wuhan City Government to masterplan a new Central Business District (CBD) in the Wuhan Qingshan Riverside District. Wuhan has a population of over 10 million and its recent growth has outpaced the national rate with the city set to become one of China’s eight megacities by 2025.

BDP’s proposal for the 2.19 sq km site comprises a core business area with commercial workplace buildings, supported by a mix of facilities including a retail and leisure centre, a 5 star exclusive hotel and a cultural exhibition hall. The public realm offer will include a two-level public square facing the Yangtze River giving visitors a magnificent view of the surrounding waterway.

The masterplan makes full use of the riverside location by creating a new iconic skyline. These landmark buildings are made accessible by several interconnected landscaped axes and a network of pedestrian walkways.

Steve Gillham, chairman of the Shanghai studio said: “The site is rich in historical elements that highlight the area’s former industrial and manufacturing history. Our proposal retains and reuses these elements to provide a localised character and atmosphere unique to this area. Our smart design is also integrated with Wuhan’s energy and water demands, and carbon emission targets, producing a high quality and innovative model of ecological and sustainable city development.”