The owners of Canary Wharf have teamed up with the charity that runs the Eden Project gardens in Cornwall to create a green “urban oasis” in the heart of Docklands.
Eden Dock, which officially launches today, has floating gardens, boardwalks and aquatic habitats and increase biodiversity in an areas where hundreds of thousands of people work, live and shop. The dock is already home to wading birds, waterfowl and songbirds, as well as bees, eels and species of plants rarely seen in London.
It is Eden Project’s first urban scheme, which has been marked by the creation of a living artwork,Nature Rising, with over 20 figures made of ligustrum – a flowering shrub – dotted around the dock
The launch came as Canary Wharf published new research showing almost three quarters of office workers prefer to work in a location near water and green spaces and a similar proportion of people actively seek out green spaces or water to relax.
Shobi Khan, CEO, Canary Wharf Group said: “Sustainability is part of CWG’s DNA. We’ve delivered over 11 million sq ft of sustainably certified space, purchased 100% electricity from renewable sources since 2012 and contributed zero waste to landfill since 2009.
“Three years ago, we partnered with world-leading charity the Eden Project to help address bio-diversity loss in cities through the greening of Canary Wharf. Eden Dock is the first of its kind, a best in practice global example of how we can support biodiversity gain in cities and pioneer places where nature and people can both thrive. It’s about creating a resilient environment that supports the well-being of our community and the environment.”
“The unveiling of Eden Dock today is another step in the evolution of Canary Wharf 3.0 and our vibrant mixed-use neighbourhood offering workspaces, retail, homes, leisure and amenities, and access to nature all in one location.”
Former Bank of England Governor Mark Carney, Chair of Canary Wharf’s 50% owner Brookfield Asset Management, said: “To manage the continued growth of the global urban population sustainably, we must prioritise smart urban planning, invest in resilient infrastructure, and embrace innovative solutions that promote inclusivity and environmental stewardship. Our cities must be designed to enhance the quality of life for all. By taking a holistic approach that balances economic development with environmental protection, we can create vibrant sustainable urban environments that are fit for the future.”
Sir Tim Smit, co-founder of the Eden Project, said: “The iconic Canary Wharf is a great location in which to ground the lightning of innovation around enhancing biodiversity in an archetypal urban landscape. Shobi’s leadership should be applauded and there has never been a more important time to enhance people’s connection with nature.
“The Eden Project is very proud to have been invited to collaborate with CWG on this project. It is our belief that the varied surfaces, textures and environments found at Eden Dock will encourage a greater diversity of life than much of the open farmland in this country. Moreover, the attention to life and beauty and the softer edges that characterise the natural worlds will directly influence the happiness and sense of belonging of all who work, live and visit here.”
