_Seven reasons why you should move to Canary Wharf
What’s the first thing that springs to mind when you think about Canary Wharf? Chances are you’ll be thinking about skyscrapers, modern offices and corporates in business suits. It’s synonymous with the world of business, which is no surprise considering it’s the secondary central business district of London.
Canary Wharf has around 16,000,000 sq ft of office and retail space and, along with the City of London, is one of the main financial centres of the world.
Over the past three decades, Canary Wharf has seen a period of extensive regeneration and became a thriving centre of business, retail and culture that’s attracting attention towards the east of the city.
The most significant development, however, is the creation of new neighbourhoods, integrating the best of living, working and leisure activities. "Over the last three-to-five years, Canary Wharf has seen a rapid transformation," says Christopher Paxton, Office Head of Knight Frank's Canary Wharf Lettings. "Canary Wharf Group are continuously working to provide the very best amenities to the area, curating a modern, luxury lifestyle that’s attracting more and more permanent residents."
But just what makes Canary Wharf a great place to live?
A thriving arts and culture scene
Canary Wharf’s arts and culture scene has taken off considerably in recent years and is home to a number of events throughout the year. The annual Winter Lights Festival being one of the most popular. Since 2014, the area has hosted the event, which features artworks, installations and interactive light displays all around Canary Wharf.
It’s home to one of the largest collections of public art in the UK, which is free to explore. Visitors can pick up a map and follow the trail to see the artwork around the area. It’s also home to an Everyman cinema, which has three screens and, a stylish statement bar.
Literature lovers can also get their daily fix of storytelling thanks to the Short Story Dispenser. These literature vending machines made their UK debut in Canary Wharf in April 2019, allowing commuters to select (and print) a one, three or five minute short story to read. Stories range from classic to new writers and cover all genres from sci-fi to romance.
Green spaces
Surprisingly, Canary Wharf isn’t all just glass and concrete. There are pockets of green spaces around Canary Wharf, including Jubilee Park. Wood Wharf itself, has nine acres of interconnected waterside walkways and gardens, providing residents and workers a chance to relax and recharge.
You’ll also find a spectacular 300m rooftop garden at the Crossrail Place. Here, you’re free to experience the wide variety of plants from across the globe, and follow the planting from the mixtures of ferns and perennials from the western hemisphere, to the bamboo and exotic flora of the East.
If you want to get closer to nature, you can visit the neighbouring Mudchute Park and Farm. Formally a derelict area created following dredging of Millwall Dock, this 32-acre park is open to the public and includes a local nature reserve. Here you’ll find a variety of animals including aviary birds, donkeys and llamas. Yes, llamas.
Bars, cafés and waterside dining
Whether you’re looking for a bottom-less brunch, a coffee break or an elegant three-course meal, there are plenty of options to choose from. Canary Wharf has a delicious ensemble of eateries from around the world, which includes sophisticated dining at the modern French restaurant Plateau, and lobster and barbecue in American venue the Big Easy. Wood Wharf also has a number of panoramic rooftop restaurants and ground floor eateries to get stuck into.
Shopping in Canary Wharf
Whatever you’re looking for, you’ll find it in Canary Wharf, from boutiques to designer retailers such as Mulberry in Jubilee Place. There’s also 350,000 sq ft of retail space in Wood Wharf alone and you’ll find a number of designer labels, curated pop ups and trendy cafés.
A plastic-free zone
Canary Wharf and ‘sustainability’ might not be two words immediately put together, however, the area has constantly pushed to be a more environmentally-friendly place to live and work. After becoming the world's first Plastic Free Commercial Centre, on World Environment Day 2019, Canary Wharf announced that it has further plans to be the first district in London – and indeed the first commercial centre in the world – to be awarded Plastic Free Community status by the environmental charity, Surfers Against Sewage.
So far, 83 retailers have banned straws, over five million single use plastic items have been eliminated and recycled, and over four million coffee cups have been recycled since February 2017.
Accessibility and transport links
Canary Wharf has great transport links, perfect for those who work outside the financial district. It’s just 10 minutes to the City via the DLR and you can get to Mayfair in 15 minutes on the Jubilee Line. It’s also just a 21 minute journey to London City Airport on the DLR, allowing you to catch flights to other UK cities, Europe and America.
New renting opportunities
Above: Vertus develpment, 10 George Street.
As a result of this drive to create the ideal work-life balance, demands for property in the area are increasing. Interestingly, much of the popularity is in lettings. According to the Knight Frank Active Capital Report 2019, “societal, demographic and tenure changes mean that more people are choosing to live in rented accommodation operated by large-scale operators,” offering a modern, hassle-free and flexible lifestyle without the commitment of owning.
Property developer Vertus is bringing brand new apartments to the Canary Wharf estate and is the first development in the area specifically built to rent. The three developments in Wood Wharf will offer the best in 24/7 on-site amenities, high-quality interiors with waterside views, as well as a community feel. The apartments in 10 George Street are now available to view, with 8 Water Street and Newfoundland coming in spring and summer respectively.
For more information on the Vertus developments, visit our webpage: