Eden Dock by Howells transformed Canary Wharf's dockside public realm

Howells' Eden Dock turned an underused Canary Wharf dock into a greener, accessible public space, using floating pontoons and a footbridge that required only two piled supports.

Howells was named Retail and Leisure Architect of the Year at the AYAs and the practice highlighted Eden Dock as a notable project. Canary Wharf Group asked for a reimagined public realm that prioritised health, wellbeing and ecological richness. The site's grade I-listed docks were underused and largely inaccessible, so the design aimed to bring people closer to the water, create new walkways and introduce intensive greening. The project also focused on enhancing biodiversity and improving water quality to benefit birds, fish and visitors. Project facts: - Floating concrete pontoons were preassembled adjacent to the site, floated into place and delivered much of the seating and planting already installed. - The footbridge spans 56m and required discrete piling at two locations, keeping substructure to a minimum. - The site sits above Jubilee line tunnels, which constrained below-water construction and influenced the minimal piling approach. - Accessibility was addressed by studying the locations and lengths of link bridges so acceptable access is available across tidal ranges. - Cumaru timber was used extensively for decking, bespoke seating, stairs and handrails; the material is noted in the project as durable and FSC certified. - Specialist subcontractors named in the project include Clement Systems, Willerby Landscapes, Victor Buyck and Boimatrix Water, each contributing to design development, fabrication or ecological systems. Summary: Eden Dock is reported to have changed Canary Wharf's outward perception from a predominantly business district to a place that attracts people from across the area and is widely used at weekends. Undetermined at this time.