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A Threat Called Canary Wharf
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04 MASTERPLAN
A THREAT CALLED CANARY WHARF
Canary Wharf’s development over the 1980s to present day has created drastic change to the south of Poplar. Now that Canary Wharf’s initial vision is complete, surrounding opportunity sites have been and will be identified to accommodate further growth. This is illustrated in Canary Wharf Group’s ownership and plans for development on North Quay, just south of Aspens Way. Outlined as a threat in the SWOT analysis, this framework aims to preserve Poplar’s East End identity and protect it from gentrification processes stemming from Canary Wharf. Aspen Way will be retained with new links and interventions mitigating against the physical and environmental defects produced from the roadway.
While Canary Wharf is deemed a threat, a weakness outlined in the SWOT analysis is that connections need to be improved between Poplar and Canary Wharf in order to unlock connectivity to transport infrastructure south of East India Docks. The following new and enhanced links will improve Poplar’s connectivity over Aspen Way:
The flagship East London Green Link will provide a crucial pedestrian and cycle artery connecting the Eastern portion of Poplar, through the Billingsgate Market site and in to Canary Wharf. This green link will provide an entirely new connection, providing an improved experience for pedestrians and cyclists, avoiding harsh vehicle dominated environments.
When the Billingsgate Market site comes through for redevelopment, a new raised walkway via the DLR station will stretch over Aspen’s way providing another pedestrian route into a new neighbourhood situated next to East India Dock, and onwards to Canary Wharf. Existing connections will be improved for pedestrians and cyclists with widened walkways and segregated cycle lanes, encouraging further pedestrian and cycle flows between Poplar and Canary Wharf.
The addition of two new connections to Canary Wharf, alongside enhanced connections via existing routes, allows Poplar’s residents to easily access critical transport connections situated in Canary Wharf, while protecting and preserving Poplar’s bespoke East End identity.
Imposing skyscrapers of Canaray Wharf towering over Poplar (Author, 2019)
