An outline planning application for one of London’s largest and most ambitious waterside developments has been formally submitted to the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. Wood Wharf, a seven hectare site adjacent to Canary Wharf, has been brought forward for redevelopment by the Wood Wharf Limited Partnership (WWLP) as part of plans to create one of the world’s finest urban waterfront quarters.

Designed by architects Rogers, Stirk, Harbour & Partners with landscape architects Martha Schwartz Partners, the proposed masterplan aims to transform Wood Wharf into a truly mixed-use sustainable community with a range of homes, offices, shops and community facilities, set within a stunning waterspace and public realm. The development will create in the region of 25,000 new jobs and will continue the growth of Canary Wharf and Docklands as one of Europe’s premier financial and business districts.

The main features of the scheme are:

• Six commercial buildings providing approximately 454,000 m2 (4.9 million square feet) GIA of office space;
• Six residential buildings providing up to 1,668 homes including a significant proportion of family housing and 35% affordable housing;
• A new waterside community park ;
• Community amenities which could include a new health centre, Ideas Store, nursery, faith centre, specialist markets and recreational facilities;
• A new High Street providing shops, independent retailers, restaurants, bars and cafés;
• A hotel fronting the water providing approximately 120 rooms;
• A new canal, waterfront boardwalks, ecology walks and moorings;
• New bridge links connecting Wood Wharf to Canary Wharf.

David Tomlin, WWLP’s Executive Project Director said “The buildings will range in height from 206 metres on the west of the site adjacent to Canary Wharf down to 33 metres on the east side close to the River Thames. The buildings will incorporate some of the latest in green technology, such as the use of dock water cooling and district heating and cooling systems. In addition the site will include a series of ‘eco-islands’ and nature walks right on the doorstep of London’s newest business district”.

The submission of the planning application follows an extensive public consultation exercise, with over 5,000 people visiting the exhibition and hundreds more taking part in workshops and focus groups. Pupils from nearby George Green’s School provided ideas for the design of the new community park.

Jason Larkin, WWLP’s executive director of planning said: “This will be one of the UK’s largest mixed use developments. Our vision is to create a new world-class business and residential urban quarter set within an exciting waterside setting. We share the local communities’ desire to make Wood Wharf a sustainable development which is accessible to everyone to live, work, visit and enjoy. This ambition underpins the entire master plan”.

The Wood Wharf Limited Partnership is a joint venture between British Waterways, Ballymore Properties and Canary Wharf Group. For more information visit www.woodwharf.com

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