Canary Wharf has taken an unexpected turn in its efforts to revitalize the area, welcoming European eels and songbirds as part of a new initiative to boost biodiversity and increase the attractiveness of the aquatic environment.
This latest move comes as the office district grapples with a post-pandemic decline in occupancy rates as remote work reshapes the needs of businesses and employees.
The Eden Dock project, which was launched on Wednesday, is a joint venture between Canary Wharf Group and Cornwall’s Eden Project. The aim is to reintroduce diverse wildlife including wading birds, waterfowl and bees, as well as plants rarely seen in London. European eels, herons and aquatic species now inhabit floating and submerged habitats, while kelp forests anchor the project’s commitment to increasing biodiversity.
Birdhouses have also been installed, encouraging species such as the black redstart to make Canary Wharf their home. The project hopes to attract foraging bats and nesting birds, creating an environmentally friendly urban space for both workers and residents.
Set against the backdrop of the iconic district, the waterfront garden features more than twenty humanoid sculptures made from Ligustrum shrubs, along with new promenades, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the area. Located near the Jubilee Line station and the YY London Tower – previously home to Thomson Reuters – Eden Dock aims to transform the area from a primarily business-oriented hub to a vibrant and sustainable urban environment.
As Canary Wharf struggles to adapt to the rise of remote working, efforts to introduce greenery and wildlife are part of a wider strategy to attract office workers back to the area. Major companies such as HSBC, Clifford Chance and Moody’s are preparing to leave the district, while Barclays and Morgan Stanley are downsizing their office spaces. The impact of this exodus has been significant, with empty office spaces and reduced demand for rental properties, even at reduced rates.
In light of these challenges, Canary Wharf Group is also exploring new opportunities to attract residents and diversify its tenant base. Plans include converting some of the office towers into laboratories to attract pharmaceutical companies, and increasing the area’s residential population. These shifts are seen as crucial to the long-term sustainability of the district.
Shobi Khan, CEO of Canary Wharf Group, described the Eden Dock project as an important step in promoting wellbeing and environmental awareness. He pointed to research from Censuswide, which found that 73% of office workers prefer locations near water and green spaces, highlighting the potential appeal of this new development.
Sir Tim Smit, co-founder of the Eden Project, believes the focus on nature and beauty will help create a stronger sense of community for those who work, live and visit the area. Mark Carney, former governor of the Bank of England and chairman of Canary Wharf co-owner Brookfield Asset Management, echoed these sentiments, saying the project exemplifies a balance between economic development and environmental conservation, and helps create of a sustainable urban environment that is fit for the future. .
The Eden Dock project is part of a wider partnership between Canary Wharf Group and the Eden Project, which began in 2022. With the precinct facing financial pressures and a changing working landscape, this collaboration aims to reinvent Canary Wharf as a dynamic and resilient urban ecosystem. .