Green light expected for landmark Canada Water development

British Land is hopeful it will get planning approval this year from Southwark Council for its ambitious Canada Water Masterplan.

Located in the former docks area of Rotherhithe in south London, the scheme’s first three buildings will include workspace, homes (of which 35% will be affordable) and a new leisure centre.

These three buildings are part of a major first phase of the development covering a total of 167,000m² of mixed-use space, comprising 90,000m² of workspace, 23,200m² of retail and leisure space and 650 homes.

The wider Masterplan is expected to deliver up to 3,000 new homes, 185,000m² of workspace and 90,000m² of retail, leisure, entertainment and community space including proposed health and social infrastructure, and educational uses for all ages.

Roger Madelin, Head of Canada Water Development, British Land, said: “Drawing on our experience of creating vibrant, mixed-use places across the capital, this major urban centre at Canada Water will provide an exciting place to live, work and visit, delivering high quality design, active spaces and significant economic and social benefits for the local community.

“We have worked closely with Southwark Council and the local community of Canada Water to achieve this important first step, and will continue to work with them to deliver a low carbon, energy efficient neighbourhood. We will put health and wellbeing at the heart of our plans to ensure the buildings and spaces we create encourage and support healthy lives.”

Cllr Peter John, Leader of Southwark Council, said: “It is fantastic to see this project moving forward. British Land have done great work to consult and engage with local people and the resulting Masterplan will deliver what local people want to see, including a guaranteed 35% affordable housing split 70% social rent and 30% shared ownership in the first phase, new retail spaces and job opportunities, education and health facilities and a brand new leisure centre.”