UK REIT British Land said on Monday that it has submitted an outline planning application for the Canada Water Masterplan, one of London's most significant development projects which will create a new urban centre in the UK capital.

chris grigg

Chris Grigg

Alongside the overall Masterplan the planning submission also includes a detailed planning application for the project’s first three buildings, which include workspace, homes (of which 35% will be affordable) and a new leisure centre.

These three buildings are part of a major first phase of the development covering a total of 1.8 million sq ft (167,000 m2) of mixed use space, comprising one million sq ft of workspace, 250,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space and 650 homes. Subject to planning approvals, construction of the first buildings will begin in spring 2019.

The wider masterplan is expected to deliver up to 3,000 new homes, two million sq ft of workspace and one million sq ft of retail, leisure, entertainment and community space including proposed health and social infrastructure, and educational uses for all ages.

Roger Madelin, head of Canada Water Development at British Land, said: 'Submission of our planning application for the Canada Water Masterplan marks an important milestone in the delivery of this project.'

He added: 'Drawing on our experience of creating vibrant, mixed-use places across the capital, this major urban centre at Canada Water will provide an exciting place to live, work and visit, delivering high quality design, active spaces and significant economic and social benefits for the local community.'

A decision on the planning application is expected by the end of the year.