The Eden Dock Activation project aims to reactivate the docks stretching west to east of Canary Wharf by providing access to the water level via a series of stunning landscaped fixed and floating terraces. As part of Canary Wharf Group’s (CWG) urban greening initiative, the project will create new public spaces with pontoons and floating ecology islands, as well as a new pedestrian bridge, transforming the area into an urban oasis, joining its green spine across the neighbourhood.

Owing to our long-standing relationship, CWG approached Arup to provide multi-disciplinary engineering services for the floating pontoons, the walkways, and the bridge. From planning through to delivery, we provided design and technical assurance services on the fixed and floating terrace structures and provided full engineering design services for the pedestrian bridge connecting both sides of the dock. Our extensive knowledge of the infrastructure across the neighbourhood also played a key role in planning and obtaining permissions from different stakeholders.

Contributing to a wider diversification scheme, our work is also helping to transform the neighbourhood into a “15-minute city”, where amenities are within 15 minutes when walking or cycling. The project’s main structures, including the floating islands and the bridge, will improve connectivity and biodiversity, attracting new residents and a broader range of commercial and retail tenants. The project will enable CWG to unlock the opportunities afforded by biodiversity innovation within a urban environment.   

Middle Dock at Canary Wharf London

Eden Dock/Middle Dock before works

Floating pontoons in Canary Wharf, London

The pontoons in Eden Dock after works

Partners & collaborators

Howells (Architects) / Willerby (Landscaping and finishes) / Clement (Pontoons) / Biomatrix (Floating islands) / Daval Construct (Structural Engineers) / PIP Electrical (Electrical Engineers and Contractors) / Victor Buyck (Fabricator)