Once upon a time, there was little of Canary Wharf save from lonely, long-abandoned industrial docks. Now, it’s a buzzing business and residential district, its cloud-skimming buildings full of state-of-the-art new-build apartments, hotel rooms and offices. The location often referred to as Canary Wharf consists of the actual 97 acre Canary Wharf Estate owned and run by The Canary Wharf Group and the wider Isle of Dogs area on the peninsula. Whilst the estate is Canary Wharf, home to a working population of over 120,000 people, many of the developments on the Isle of Dogs peninsula also market themselves as Canary Wharf and have been included in this guide.
Developments in Canary Wharf
The Canary Wharf Estate
New-build residences have been sprouting up in Canary Wharf at lightning speed for the past few years. The Canary Wharf Group currently has a number of developments in construction both to buy and to rent. Their rental only brand Vertus has three developments welcoming their first residents in 2020. Newfoundland – a 60-storey tower inspired by The Gherkin, which sits in a prime waterfront location at the western end of West India Middle Dock. This one’s been dubbed ‘The Diamond Tower’ thanks to its ‘diagrid’ façade, and is the brainchild of reputable Mayfair architect, Horden Cherry Lee. It’s one of the first Build to Rent developments in the Canary Wharf area and on its completion will be the UK’s tallest residential structure at 220 metres high.
“Impressive building and surroundings, with loads going on nearby and transport links. The place is still in construction stage but you can see how spectacular it will look when it’s finished.” – Seema S, Newfoundland viewer
Another Canary Wharf Group offering is One Park Drive – an angular, 58-storey structure designed by Swiss architect, Herzog & de Meuron. This new-build is flanked by parkland and waterways, so will suit those who want to be blend city living with a slightly more rural outlook. Ten Park Drive is its sister offering, another high-rise property with luxury apartments by Make Studio.
“Ten Park Drive merges residential and hotel characteristics, thanks to first-class facilities such as a smart resident’s lounge and club room, a state-of-the-art gym and a swimming pool. There’s also a private cinema and sky terrace, which offers panoramic views. Residents have access to a 24-hour concierge service for help with parcel deliveries and restaurant bookings.” – HomeViews Property Pro
The Canary Wharf Estate is run and managed by the Canary Wharf Group who also look after the 97 acre estate security, facilities, public spaces, traffic, health and safety and the East Wintergarden event venue.
The Isle of Dogs and wider Canary Wharf area
Sailmakers by Greystar frequently tops the list of highest rated developments in our Canary Wharf guide. A pet-friendly rental only development residents have rated this development one of the best places to live in London.
“An excellent development catering for a wide range of tenants from young business professionals, families, students, dog owners and couples returning to city living having spent far too long in the suburbs. This mix is one of the attractions of Sailmakers. The Sailmakers team could not be more helpful and their humour and professionalism have made our move here easy. The gym is fabulous – the 360 degrees views over London are a great distraction. The cinema room and business centre are an added bonus.” – Brenda S, verified resident at Sailmakers
Galliard Homes has also bitten off a large chunk of the Canary Wharf pie, with developments like 35 Indescon Square and Harbour Central attracting affluent professionals in their hordes. These slick developments offer up apartments with a view and a side-order of hotel-like facilities.
“It is a very good development with sufficient facilities such as reception and cleaning services. It is in a good location, in the vicinity of Canary Wharf but also have convenient nearby local stores such as Tesco and Subway. The security also seems good, with entrance hobs and CCTV in the lifts. Overall a good development to live in.” – Jolene S, verified resident at 35 Indescon Square
“Very well maintained building. Great location for supermarkets and restaurants – Lotus Chinese floating restaurant is amazing. Chinese supermarket opened which is a huge bonus. Good amount of space in the flat and good dimensions. Overlooking garden is pleasant.” – Tat, verified resident at 35 Indescon Square
41 Millharbour, by Weston Homes, completed back in 2004, and lots of its apartments come with a balcony. Another established property is Baltimore Wharf, a joint venture from Ballymore Group and Galliard Homes. A striking new-build with a winding aesthetic, its residents appreciate the fact its architecture sets it apart from the rest of the Canary Wharf skyline…
“Each apartment has an individual balcony which forms the twisty curve structure of the tower. The balcony ring rotates with respect to the core of the tower creating an visual effect when view in different views the tower looks differently. The design of the tower did not follow modern days practice in maximising indoor space by creating square layouts. Nevertheless the twisty structure of the tower stands out from the background of block buildings in Canary Wharf. Adding a sense of uniqueness in the area.” – Sa H, verified owner at Baltimore Wharf,
“The view is very good, I have a Lake view for a fantastic price. The staff is very friendly the security is very good. and the location is quite nice, is near to shps and services. The apartment is new and well furnished.” – Dorie, private tenant at 41 Millharbour
Ballymore’s Wardian development is worth a special mention, too. It was named after botanist Nathanial Bagshaw Ward, and the building’s high concentration of exotic foliage gives it the feel of a subtropical paradise.
E14 hustle & bustle
“London’s E14 area lays on plenty of reasons to tempt you home after work. Wander beyond Canary Wharf’s skyscrapers and you’ll find quiet riverside walks, plenty of waterfront restaurants and cafes, and pockets of calm like Island Gardens and Mudchute Park and Farm.” – HomeViews Researcher
Contrary to popular belief, the action in Canary Wharf goes on well into the weekend. Yes its reputation as a weekday professionals’ playground is justified, but this isn’t just a neighbourhood that comes alive Monday to Friday. The concentration of shops, bars and restaurants has grown steadily along with everything else, and now there’s plenty of entertainment to take advantage of all week long.
Shopping and eating out
Canary Wharf Shopping Centre is made up of five malls – a mixture of high street names and luxe designer stores. The area’s gastronomy is varied, spanning refined French gastropubs and sophisticated Japanese eateries, plus everything in between. And there’s a good smattering of watering holes, from cosy pubs to cocktail bars. The best of the bars sit Thames-side, with high-up al fresco terraces just right for catching that famous skyline at sunset.
Canary Wharf must-dos
Other attractions include London Museum Docklands, which offers a fascinating look at Canary Wharf’s history, and The Space, which concentrates on theatre and art. Outdoorsy types will appreciate the Docklands Sailing & Watersports Centre, where you can have a go at pursuits like windsurfing and canoeing.
Transport in Canary Wharf
“In terms of transport links, it’s hard to beat Canary Wharf.”
Naturally, London’s largest financial hub is well connected, served by the DLR and Jubilee line, and with frequent river bus services to the likes of London Bridge, Chelsea Harbour and Embankment, if you’d rather travel across the water. London City Airport is right on the doorstep, too – perfect for travelling city slickers, or those jetting off for leisure instead of work.
Read reviews of Canary Wharf developments by clicking on the properties in the list below. Do you live in a Canary Wharf development? Leave your review here.
