The AHOY centre sits on the south bank of the Thames in Greenwich at the foot of a loop in the river opposite the Isle of Dogs and lies some 1000 metres west of the National Maritime Museum. Opened in 2004, it is essentially a sailing club, but crucially offers water-based activities with the primary objective of working with disadvantaged youth and people with disabilities. AHOY uses the experience of sailing to break down many of the social barriers and divides to bring together people from different walks of life and backgrounds. Students learn not only how to sail or row, but also about helping others, so that they too can then go on and teach and help others.
With the need to expand, John Pardey Architects were commissioned to convert a disused jetty sitting directly off-shore from the existing facility to provide some 1200m2 of additional teaching, storage and recreational space.
