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• Sponsorship
• Events
• School projects
• Local training
• Construction training
• Canada Water
• Regent’s Place

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, following extensive public consultation, Southwark Borough Council granted planning permission for the first phase of the regeneration. In 2007 we continued working with the local community and other stakeholders to ensure that the development meets local needs as well as environmental and commercial demands.

At the heart of the plans is a landmark new library which received detailed planning approval in August 2007. Local people influenced the design of the building, by Piers Gough, commenting on the initial proposals and suggesting improvements that were taken on board. As well as an extensive book and DVD collection, the library will include a café and performance space, where local schools and community groups will be able to stage shows. Also on offer will be fitness classes, story telling, IT and computer training, and homework support.

The first residential phase is being developed by Barratt Homes. Half of the 63 units will provide affordable housing and 54% will be family sized. The scheme includes a 10% renewable energy component and exceeds the Eco-Homes ‘very good’ rating standards. Over 300 people participated in a series of consultation events, with 95% registering their support. The scheme was revised to take into account local opinion, for instance the addition of a basement and glazed balconies on the north and south elevations.

This is a critical milestone for the regeneration of Canada Water. The library will be delivered in phase one, not in the distant future. This will be the start of a long term partnership between BL Canada Quays, the Council and most importantly, the local community.

David Taylor, Chairman, BL Canada Quays

12 young people from Canada Water and Elephant and Castle were given the chance to have their say in how local shops and shopping centres should develop in future. The 13 to 16 year olds took part in Shopped Out, funded by BL Canada Quays and Southwark Council and managed by architectural education charity Open House. Using a mixture of video, workshops and interviews with their peers as well as traders, shoppers and developers, the participants explored retail centres in Elephant and Castle and Canada Water. Together, they looked at what makes shopping areas welcoming for young people, including how to make them feel safer without being oppressive. They also examined anti-social behaviour and how the design of retail spaces can improve relationships between residents, shopkeepers and young people.

Shopped Out provided a powerful platform for young people to express their concerns and ideas about regeneration in their own community. Through direct exploration of the Elephant and Castle and Canada Water shopping areas, young people tuned in their eyes and ears to the existing retail spaces and allowed their minds to imagine how the new developments could be more inspiring for their peer group and other members of the community.

Victoria Thornton, Founding Director of Open House

 

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