New pictures of Canada Water plans have been unveiled
The area would get a new town centre under the huge regeneration plans
Last updated 18th Jan 2022
The images, released by Southwark Council, show the new pond, dock walkway and giant pergola that are also proposed as part of the multimillion pound project.
The developer, British Land, says it is one of London’s largest regeneration schemes, covering 53 acres.
As part of the plans, a new red timber bridge would be constructed across Canada Water Dock, providing easy access from the station to the town centre.
Benches would be installed along the boardwalk so that people can take in views across the dock.
A six-metre tall pergola would be built on the south side of the dock for visitors to shade from the sun while relaxing by the water.
The dock would also get a new 15-metre wide, circular dipping pond – free for people to use throughout the day.
Southwark Council documents say: "The quality of the dock environment has declined over the years, and its ecological status is compromised as a result of low water levels and limited management of its planting.
"The dock surrounds offer little by way of public facilities or activity and the contribution to the public realm is limited.
"The dock is strongly related to the identity of Canada Water, and the proposal offers an opportunity to significantly improve the dock as a key destination within the town centre."
Southwark Council says the development will boost the biodiversity of the area, as well as provide a new spot for local residents to relax in.
But conservationists fear encouraging people to use the area could disturb wildlife.
Commenting on the plans, one resident said: "The proposal is a terrible idea, this is not a toy town pond, it is a wildlife natural ecological lake."
Another said: "I don’t believe boardwalk is worth the sacrifice of local nature and don’t believe local residents have expressed a desire for this."
Once completed, the Canada Water project will provide two million square ft of offices and a million square ft of leisure space, according to developer British Land.
It says: "We have a Master Development Agreement with Southwark Council to deliver a new town centre, with a mix of uses and innovative public spaces designed for a range of ages, incomes and life stages.
"Set around water and green public spaces, together we will create a vibrant destination where people can live, work and be entertained."