London is known around the world as a green city, with 3,000 parks of various sizes covering almost 18% of the capital – more space than is covered by roads and railways combined*. We’re extending that tradition here at Canada Water as we develop the capital’s first new town centre in 50 years.

In addition to all the amenities we’re delivering, including multi-faceted leisure destination Corner Corner, the new Canada Water Leisure Centre and new restaurants opening soon, we’re working hard to create 12 acres of new open spaces within the development. These will boost biodiversity – early results show that Canada Water is on track to create a 28% biodiversity net gain for hedgerows and habitats, way above the 10% planning requirement, which could rise to 60% for habitats as we implement our nature plans across future phases. The open spaces will also give people in the area places to relax, play and connect with the natural world.

Dock Office Gardens

In a space between Canada Water Leisure Centre, Three Deal Porters and Dock Shed, Dock Office Gardens is growing ever greener this spring. Behind the historic Dock Offices building, which houses British Land’s Canada Water project hub along with the Bodytonic physiotherapy clinic and the headquarters of charity the Tree Council, we’ve planted more than 90 species including ferns, flowers and shrubs. The space, inspired by the legacy of 19th-century botanists, complements the striking Victorian Dock Office building.

Amid the hustle and bustle of city living, Dock Office Gardens is an oasis of calm, open to all to come and enjoy.

Wetland habitats at Canada Dock

Canada Dock is a piece of history, surviving from the industrial landscape of the working docks. We’ve restored it as a haven for biodiversity, with seven new wetland islands providing three wildlife habitats, including reed beds, wet woodlands and wet meadow. Ducks, swans and other birds can build their nests on 1km of new shallow edges.

People can get close to the dock’s wildlife without disturbing it by walking along Rafter Walk, the 170-metre boardwalk that traverses the new wetlands. A Discovery Pond is also scheduled to open for educational sessions, once the habitat around it has matured over the next few months.

The wetlands at Canada Dock are the results of several years’ work with Townshend Landscape Architects and the London Wildlife Trust. Input from the people who live and spend time in Canada Water was also vital to make sure the restoration met the aspirations of all with a stake in the area.

New 3.5-acre park

Just next to the Printworks building, we’re going to create a new green space for everyone to enjoy. The 3.5-acre park will incorporate woodland, meadow, dry garden, open lawn and shaded areas, providing a range of habitats to encourage a diverse local ecology and wildlife.

For humans, an adventure play space will encourage local children to get active outdoors and reflect the industrial heritage of the Printworks through its design and reuse of materials from the former printing factory. With a wide range of challenge levels in and around the adventure play space, there will be something for all ages and abilities to enjoy. The park will also feature a pavilion with a cafe, indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the playground, toilets and baby-changing facilities.

Green links

Green walking and cycling routes will connect the development’s open spaces to the abundant blue and green spaces that we’re so lucky to be surrounded by at Canada Water – these include Southwark Park and Russia Dock Woodland. These routes will do double duty as biodiversity corridors, enabling a rich ecosystem to permeate through the development. A new walkway and cycle path, Marker Way, provides access to Dock Office Gardens (see above). For more on what we’re doing to make walking and cycling easier in Canada Water, click here.

If you fancy getting out and exploring the footways for yourself, you could try our 5k running route, which takes you on a tour of the development’s green and blue spaces while crossing only one major road.

For more on how we’re putting nature at the centre of the development, click here.