Millennium Mills: Exploring Retrofit Futures in the Royal Docks

Once part of London’s industrial and maritime heritage, Millennium Mills has long stood as a prominent presence in the Royal Docks, reflecting both its significance and years of decline and uncertainty. This event uses the building as a lens to explore how complex post-industrial sites can be reimagined for contemporary needs, future resilience and new forms of belonging in the city.

The discussion will bring together voices connected to the site and its future, including perspectives from the Royal Docks Team, Lendlease, the University of East London, the GLA Royal Docks Sustainability Research Institute and AKTII engineers, alongside ongoing related research, teaching and design work. Together, the panel will reflect on shifting narratives of the site: from industrial past, through decades of vacancy and speculation, to its emerging role as a testing ground for retrofit thinking, material innovation and sustainable urban regeneration.

A small exhibition by UEL’s Master’s in Architecture students, supported by AKTII engineers, exploring retrofit strategies for Millennium Mills will be on display during the event.

Speakers to be announced soon.

Admission is free, but advance booking is required.

Hosted at London City Hall as part of the London Festival of Architecture.

Schedule:

13:30 - 14:00 - Arrival & Registration; Exhibition

14:00 -15:00 - Panel Discussion

15:00 - 15:30 - Networking

Arrival & Security

Please aim to arrive at 13:30 to allow time for security checks and registration. This will help ensure a smooth entry and that the event can start on time.

Travel

• Nearest stations: Royal Victoria (DLR), Custom House (DLR & Elizabeth Line), West Silvertown (DLR), Canning Town (Jubilee Line). Use Transport for London’s tube and rail map for planning
• Bus routes: 474, 147, 241, 325, 678
• Alternative travel: North Greenwich Pier (river), IFS Cloud Cable Car to Royal Docks
• Covered bike racks available behind City Hall on Kamal Chunchie Way

Access

• Step-free access: Royal Victoria (DLR) and Canning Town (Jubilee Line)
• City Hall is fully step-free; accessible toilets including a changing places toilet are available
• The event is relaxed: attendees may leave and re-enter, move around and take breaks as needed

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Host or Publisher University of East London