The Eden Project and Canary Wharf Group to support biodiversity in urban environments

London’s docklands are set to be transformed with a new green spine, creating a blueprint for sustainable global cities to act on biodiversity loss. 

London-based Canary Wharf Group (CWG), the UK’s largest sustainable developer, is partnering with educational charity The Eden Project in a major new undertaking that will see one of the most important business districts in the British capital set a precedent for greening comparable areas around the world. 

The first stage of the work will see the creation of a green spine through the centre of Canary Wharf, adding more green public realm, parks, gardens, waterside access, bridges, boardwalks and floating pontoons. New spaces for arts and culture will also be introduced, as will facilities for water sport including paddle-boarding, open water swimming and kayaking. Glenn Howells Architects will deliver the work. 

Both partners have a vision to turn the district into a world leader for biodiversity and sustainability in a dense urban environment, sharing what they learn from the undertaking in London with cities across the UK and further afield. Efforts will also ensure that CWG meets requirements of biodiversity net gain in new developments.

‘Our urbanising world cannot become sustainable until cities work for nature as well as people. In partnering with biodiversity expert the Eden Project, CWG will accelerate thinking and action on how  urban environments can be re-designed with nature at the heart,’ said CWG CEO Shobi Khan. 

‘Sustainability has been front and centre for CWG’s buildings over the last 20 years. We already have  over 20 acres of parks and gardens and 5km of waterside paths,’ he continued. ‘Our partnership with the Eden Project will ensure these spaces and new areas support the ecosystems that people and nature depend on as we bring transformational change to the estate.’

‘CWG and the Eden Project are both based on the transformational redevelopment of a former industrial site into a world-renowned icon of regeneration. Our exciting new partnership feels natural and vital,’ added David Harland, Chief Executive of Eden Project International. ‘Eden’s known track record in sustainability leadership aligned with the Canary Wharf Group’s consistently high sustainability ratings for their buildings offers a great platform upon  which to build on.’

Image credit: Glenn Howells Architects