The Founding at Canada Water: A New Mixed-Use Destination for the 21st Century

The Founding at Canada Water is an entry in our Great British Brands 2023 book. 

The Founding at Canada Water: Great British Brand 2023

‘Canada Water was, until the 1960s, the port of entry for ships bringing timber from North America and Scandinavia for London’s construction industry. Many of the former docks were filled in but some remain: Canada Dock itself, outside the underground station, and Greenland Dock are reminders of the area’s industrial history.

‘British Land has assembled the parts of the site over the last decade but now we’re into the construction phase.

‘Our first residential building is The Founding by Allies and Morrison. When complete it will offer incredible views across London from its expansive apartments with interiors designed by Conran and Partners.

‘The wider masterplan will see a mixed use of residential, retail and leisure, and workspace. The area has excellent transport links; there are more people under 35 living within a 45-minute journey of here than almost anywhere else in London.

‘Having a cool workspace is a great way of attracting this bright young talent. The site’s flagship building is the former Daily Mail printing house, an enormous structure comparable in size to Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall; we intend to preserve its industrial heritage by displaying a restored printing press. For the last five years, it’s been run as a concert venue known as The Printworks; around five million people attended events there. The intention is to make it an edgier, more fun version of the Southbank Centre, with cultural areas alongside places to work.

‘At Canada Water, we can put some of our ideas about modern city living and working into practice. The site is surrounded by so much greenery, the docks and the River Thames that it feels as if it’s miles from central London, but actually it’s incredibly central. It offers the best of both worlds.’ Emma Cariaga, Head of Residential and Joint Head of Canada Water, British Land

Brand Timeline

2015

British Land acquires final part of 53-acre site, including the former Daily Mail printing works, with the acquisition of Surrey Quays Leisure Park

2020

Secures outline planning permission for London’s first new urban centre in generations, bringing new places to live, work, and relax to this historic area

2023

The Founding launches, a 35-storey residential building providing a first chance to purchase a home at Canada Water

2024

First residents due to move into The Founding, a collection of studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments

2031

Expected to complete with 3,000 net-zero homes, office space for 20,000 workers and one million sq/ft of leisure amenities.

DID YOU KNOW?

1. A net-zero neighbourhood by 2031, Canada Water is one of the first UK regenerations to use cement-free Earth Friendly Concrete, and enjoys an all-electric energy strategy with 100 percent renewable electricity.
2. Canada Water is surrounded by 160 acres of green and blue space with woodlands, parks, and waterways.
3. Canada Water will have the first new high street in London in a generation, a new town square and 16 new streets.
4. Echoing the area’s industrial influences The Founding’s bespoke interiors comprise brushed stainless steel, ironmongery, polished concrete and European oak flooring.
5. The Grade II-listed Dock Manager’s Office is home to The Founding’s sales and marketing suite and Canada Water’s project hub.

THE FOUNDING AT CANADA WATER

The Dock Office, Surrey Quays Road, London SE16 2XU

thefounding.co.uk

@canadawaterldn