Major new waterside development for London

Wood Wharf Limited Partnership (WWLP), a joint venture formed in 2005 by British Waterways, Canary Wharf Group and Ballymore Properties, submitted an outline planning application to the London Borough of Tower Hamlets on Thursday for one of London's largest and most ambitious waterside developments.

Wood Wharf, a seven-hectare site adjacent to Canary Wharf, has been brought forward for redevelopment by the partnership 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 mixed-use sustainable community with a range of homes, offices, shops and community facilities. The development will create around 25,000 new jobs and continue the growth of Canary Wharf and Docklands as one of Europe's premier financial and business districts.

The scheme will feature six commercial buildings providing 454,000 m² of office space; six residential buildings with up to 1,668 homes; a new waterside community park; community amenities including a new health centre, Ideas Store, nursery, faith centre, specialist markets and recreational facilities.

'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,' said David Tomlin, WWLP's executive project director.