The Eden Project is an ecological visitor attraction in Cornwall, consisting of two large enclosures that emulate natural biomes. Now, London’s Canary Wharf Group has partnered with the Eden Project to transform the historic Middle Dock into Eden Dock. The result is a green waterfront with interconnected pontoons and aquatic islands.

By drawing on the Eden Project’s decades of experience in reconnecting people with nature, Canary Wharf Group has successfully started a transformation process in the former docklands of London. The historic Middle Dock, surrounded by high-rise buildings and formerly very grey, now features plants, waterplays, and an exhibition of people-shaped plants, offering a moment of tranquillity in the heart of the business district Canary Wharf. Eden Dock is intended as a global example of best practice in curating an urban environment, showing a way of elevating mental and physical wellbeing through the power of nature.

Addressing biodiversity loss

On October 2, 2024, Eden Dock opened in Canary Wharf. This blueprint for biodiversity, habitat gain, and liveability in cities consists of floating islands growing into forests and aquatic habitats in the heart of the Wharf. This green haven will significantly impact biodiversity and create opportunities for people to connect with nature.

The new pocket park features extensive planting both under and around the dock’s water. Boardwalks connect to the surrounding streets, sidewalks and to the floating islands. A living artwork called “Nature Rising” with over 20 living figures made of ligustrum, a flowering shrub, is dotted around the dock. These figures show nature and people living together in harmony, reflecting on ecological innovation and the ideas of the Eden Project. They will be part of a permanent public art collection.

The collaboration between Canary Wharf Group and the Eden Project, a charity, started three years ago with the idea of addressing biodiversity loss in cities through the greening of Canary Wharf. The project is part of the evolution of this relatively new neighbourhood in London, which is aiming to position itself as a vibrant mixed-use area with workspaces, retail, homes, leisure and amenities, as well as access to nature.

Reducing the urban heat island effect

Research on the benefits of spending time outdoors in green and blue spaces shows that 73 per cent of office workers prefer to work in a location near water and green spaces. Over two in three office workers find creative, innovative ideas come easier if they have been around green spaces or water, and 99 per cent of people say that engaging with nature helps them in some way. Three quarters actively seek out green spaces or water to relax. These statistics have inspired Canary Wharf Group to turn the Middle Dock into a green public space.

Like many contemporary public spaces, Eden Dock has more seating and decking than planting. It consists of two zones, one in the shape of a raised series of steps to sit on, and the other a long path running along one side of the dock. Planting, decorative trees and the living artwork statues are dotted around the seating areas. The raised seating acts as a bridge over the emergency exits from the tube station Canary Wharf, with the exits cleverly hidden underneath the decking, but still accessible. This area is also very utilitarian, allowing people to wait for their train outside the station.

The seats facing the dock consist of wood and are softer. And the floating deck on the water surface offers additional seating, but also the largest amount of planting, both on the deck as in the dock itself. Overall, a 10 per cent reduction in the urban heat island effect is expected.

800 species of plants and trees

The Eden Dock is much more than a park. At first glance, most visitors will see a pretty place to sit, wait for their train, or take a selfie. The floating planters and smart wooden benches are impressive, but thanks to the collaboration with the Eden Project, this is a very pleasant green space with trackable objectives like boosting flora and fauna in Canary Wharf. The biodiversity net gain is around 55 per cent. The project will improve air quality and temperatures.

In addition, Eden Dock is a free public space. It serves as a place for members of the community and visitors to meet and come together. Events like kayaking, yoga, pop-ups hopping and workshops on hydroponic agriculture make the floating gardens even more attractive. According to the Canary Wharf Group, this is only the beginning of a green spine running through the centre of Canary Wharf.

Already, new wading birds, waterfowl and songbirds, as well as bees, eels and plant species not common in London are discovering the new pocket park in Eden Dock. 800 species of plants and trees are present. The reception of the new park has been mostly positive, with some criticising the “unsettling, faceless moss-people looming in the dark”. The presence of security guards is another point of contention.

A body coming to life

For now, the plants on Eden Dock still have quite a long way to go until they achieve the lush oasis effect that the developers are selling. But still, it is already a successful green and blue space. In summer 2025, open-water swimming will be possible.

It is inspired by the Eden Project in Cornwall, a set of two large enclosures consisting of adjoining domes that contain different ecosystems, including the world’s largest indoor rainforest. The structure is located in a reclaimed china clay pit and nurtures thousands of plant species around the world.

The charity and social enterprise behind it wants to spread a message about viewing life in the context of the places we inhabit. Speaking about Eden Dock, the organisation’s co-founder, Sir Tim Smit, explains: “One way of looking at what’s happening in the dock is to see it as a body coming to life. We want to create a sense that the more bugs there are, the healthier the area is likely to be. […] It is also our belief that the varied surfaces, textures and environments found at Eden Dock will encourage a greater diversity of life than much of the open farmland in this country. Moreover, the attention to life and beauty, plus the softer edges that characterise the natural worlds, will directly influence the happiness and sense of belonging of all who work, live and visit the estate.”

Read more about the remaking of London’s Docklands here.