Since 2003 we have been working closely with the London Borough of Southwark on the British Land Canada Quays joint venture. This venture is developing new residential, commercial and community facilities at Canada Water in London’s Docklands.
In 2006 Southwark Council approved a resolution to grant outline planning permission for the first phase of regeneration at Canada Water. This first phase involves Site A, close to Needleman Street, and Site B, adjacent to Surrey Quays Road.
Over the last three years there has been extensive community consultation. Over 200 sessions have been held including dedicated workshops, public open sessions, exhibitions, school tours, public meetings and focus groups. Consultation has also taken place with Government agencies, statutory consultees and many of the Council’s departments. Community feedback on the outline plans showed that there was a good level of support.
Community feedback has led to changes being made to the plans. These include:
- Providing a dedicated toddlers’ play area
- Allowing for a larger public plaza by remodelling and relocating the library building
- Widening the pavement by setting back buildings along Surrey Quays Road
- Providing additional family housing along Birchway
- Reducing building heights
- Improving the existing pedestrian access link from the Pump House to the station
- Providing additional cycle parking.
828 new homes, with a large proportion of affordable homes, will benefit local people and contribute to achieving housing targets. The mix of new dwellings will promote social diversity and balanced communities and improve accessibility for all.
There will be new employment opportunities with approximately 1,500 temporary construction jobs on sites A and B. Funding for training and job brokerage coordinators, included within the Section 106 agreement, will maximise opportunities for local people. The completed development is expected to create 290 new jobs.
The public realm proposals aim to create a vibrant day and night urban environment. There will be a high quality and coordinated landscaped setting for the new buildings.
New cycle and pedestrian access will integrate adjacent neighbourhoods. A new open space, Deal Porters’ Plaza, will provide a venue for public events and local markets. Deal porters worked in London's docks, stacking baulks of deal wood up to 60 feet high.
Find out more about this development at www.canadawater-southwark.co.uk