Canary Wharf Group (CWG) has unveiled the Eden Dock, created in partnership with the Eden Project, in a boost to the area’s biodiversity.  

The green haven will have a significant positive impact on biodiversity, creating more opportunities for people to connect with nature. 

The area now boasts floating forests, aquatic habitats and verdant new public spaces with extensive planting both under and around the dock’s waters. 

On the water, floating boardwalks create a new accessible public route connecting a series of floating gardens, an education pontoon, and terraces for social and cultural use.

“Three years ago, we partnered with world-leading charity the Eden Project to help address biodiversity loss in cities through the greening of Canary Wharf,” says Shobi Khan, CEO, CWG. 

“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.” 

Howells was the masterplanner for the project, with landscape design by HTA Design, and they have introduced ‘shores’ of gradual inclines – timber bleacher seating integrated with generous amphitheatre steps, walkways and dense garden planting.

The dock is the latest part of Howells’ wider placemaking masterplan for Canary Wharf, following the recent completion of two new Water Pavilions at Wood Wharf.

A pedestrian footbridge across Eden Dock, set to complete next year, will provide a new north-south link joining together and improving footfall across the neighbourhood.

Glen Howells partner at Howells, says: “Eden Dock is an exemplar of our placemaking approach, finding inventive ways of unlocking the amazing untapped potential of Canary Wharf’s historic dock infrastructure, while creating a significant uplift in urban greening.

“The dock is central to our proposals for a green-blue spine of biodiversity, green routes and new public realm across the Isle of Dogs.”

To mark the launch, a living artwork, Nature Rising, with over 20 living figures made of ligustrum will be dotted around the dock.   

The figures show nature and people living together in harmony, reflecting how Eden Dock weaves nature into its urban surroundings through ecological innovation. 

People will be able to take advantage of the floating gardens and boardwalks and enjoy the habitats that are now home to new wading birds, waterfowl and songbirds, as well as bees, eels and species of plants rarely seen before in London. 

James Lord, partner and landscape lead at HTA Design said: “HTA Design is delighted to be part of the design team delivering a new green vision for Canary Wharf.

“With biodiversity, leisure and community at its heart, Eden Dock is designed to be accessed and enjoyed by all.”