Weston Homes has unveiled a sales and marketing suite at its Abbey Quay development in Barking.
The 5,000sq ft facility has been created to help the developer showcase homes in Jasper Wharf.
The 29-storey structure, will house 167 one and two-bedroom apartments when complete in 2027.
These will feature full height glazing, private balconies or terraces and a wide variety of finishes for their floors, fitted kitchens and bathrooms.
All options are included in the purchase price.
The new marketing suite contains displays to help prospective buyers choose from the options as well as a pair of show homes where visitors can explore the various specifications.
The wider Abbey Quay development, set on the River Roding close to Barking Station, comprises 1,000 apartments set in a series of blocks as well as 25,100sq ft of commercial and leisure space.
Amenities include a concierge service, a residents’ lounge and a community hub as well as a local supermarket.
A show home interior at Abbey Quay – image supplied by Weston Homes
Abbey Quay’s jewel
Suzanne Aplin, group sales and marketing director at Weston Homes said: “The newly launched Jasper Wharf is the jewel in the crown at Abbey Quay so we wanted to create a spectacular sales and marketing suite which would do justice to Barking’s new architectural landmark.
“This new sales and marketing Suite is quite simply the best presentation vehicle we have ever delivered to date.
“Combining scale model, graphics, touch screens and finishes, the suite conveys the Jasper Wharf and wider Abbey Quay vision and the superb product quality and luxurious specification choices on offer.
“The marketing suite also provides buyers with an insight into the future at Abbey Quay, as the glass-fronted building will eventually be transformed into a vibrant on-site restaurant and bar with a first floor dining terrace overlooking the River Roding, as the development nears completion.”
Abbey Quay is located about 27 minutes from Canary Wharf via Barking station taking C2C rail services and then the DLR from Limehouse.
The newly unveiled sales and marketing suite at Abbey Quay – image supplied by Weston Homes
key details: Abbey Quay
Homes at Abbey Quay’s Jasper Wharf in Barking start at £319,995 for a one-bedroom apartment and at £439,500 for a two-bed.
Some properties are available at Discount Market Sale with two-beds starting at £350,500 including a 20% saving.
The London Standard recently published a piece entitled The Remarkable Story Of Canary Wharf’s Renaissance.
Amid a series of somewhat confused bird-based metaphors, it tells a tale of a district brought to the brink of disaster by the pandemic and the home working trend that followed it.
It’s boisterous copy is full of “shaky foundations” bonds in “junk territory” and “symbolically damaging” moves.
Scary stuff, but also – like a lot of the analysis that caused some to temporarily lose confidence in the Wharf – it fails to appreciate the silliness of short-termism when considering changes in the area.
This isn’t rebirth, it’s a constant process of reinvention and growth.
It’s nothing new, either.
The site as it stands today – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
a big deal
It should come as absolutely no surprise whatsoever that JP Morgan Chase has decided Canary Wharf is the right place for it to build a £3billion tower, providing 3million sq ft of space for up to 12,000 employees.
In 2008, the banking giant completed the purchase of a 999-year lease on land beside the Thames for its Riverside South scheme.
The plans drawn up by architects RSHP (then Richard Rogers Partnership) were for two towers.
The size of the scheme? A little over 3million sq ft of space.
Serious work started on the site, adjacent to Westferry Circus, with foundations created and concrete poured for basement structures.
But work stopped in 2010 with JP Morgan opting instead to move into 25 Bank Street – Lehman Brothers’ former home in London.
Wharf watchers will have noted that the Riverside South site has since lain dormant, rebar carefully marked with little high-viz hats and voids protected with temporary roofing.
In 2015, having settled into its new home, JP Morgan nevertheless put plans to sell the land on hold, leaving the option open to develop it later.
A decade on and the bank’s need for space has grown beyond its current accommodation.
This has prompted it to let space at a refurbished building in nearby Cabot Square, which was vacated by Credit Suisse following its enforced takeover by UBS.
A more permanent solution was desired and options were considered.
The bank recently unveiled its new HQ in New York.
That megastructure was designed by Foster + Partners and the bank has now revealed that it has chosen the same architects to take forward plans for its new London office.
Where? On the land it’s kept on its books for the past 17 years.
The project is expected to contribute £9.9billion to the UK economy, with completion in around six years’ time.
Jamie Dimon, chairman and CEO of JP Morgan Chase, said: “London has been a trading and financial hub for more than a thousand years, and maintaining it as a vibrant place for finance and business is critical to the health of the UK economy.
“This building will represent our lasting commitment to the city, the UK, our clients and our people. The UK government’s priority of economic growth has been a critical factor in helping us make this decision.”
Shobi Khan, CEO of Canary Wharf Group, added: “We are delighted that JP Morgan Chase has once again chosen Canary Wharf as its primary UK location.
“The scale and ambition of this scheme – set to become the largest office building in London – demonstrates the continued momentum behind Canary Wharf’s evolution and the bank’s commitment to outstanding workplaces.
“2025 will be our best leasing year in over a decade. Five of the top global investment banks are located at Canary Wharf.”
In the context of a millennium, 17 years doesn’t really seem all that much time to wait…
An artist’s impression of Richard Rogers Partnership’s original scheme for the site – image by RSHP
words matter
CWG is spot-on when describing the way the Wharf has changed over the years.
The project to transform derelict docks into a hive of activity and prosperity has constantly twisted and turned.
Wood Wharf was originally conceived as an office-led expansion of the existing scheme, only for residential towers to rise instead.
The idea that the area has been reborn fails to recognise the granular diversification of an estate that now services the needs of workers, residents and visitors passing through for a multitude of reasons.
The financial services institutions sit alongside life sciences, government, parts of the NHS, digital banks, charities and educational organisations as well as an ever-growing retail and hospitality offering.
There’s even a whale made of ocean plastic and a theatre.
This isn’t coincidence. It’s an area unafraid to act on opportunity, to try new things but, crucially, to put in solid foundations to start with so that when the world needs it to be a different shape, it has something firm to build on.
recent successes
In some senses, Riverside South’s foundations are a decent metaphor for what’s happening to Canary Wharf right now.
Buildings have a shelf life and organisations’ needs evolve.
Challenger bank Revolut went from a handful of employees to hundreds and now thousands, recently landing on the upper floors of the YY London building, a structure extensively refurbished and renamed after the best part of three decades housing Thompson Reuters.
This process of renewal, reinvention and so evolution is going on across the Wharf, most obviously with Citi’s decision to retool its east London home and spending billions of pounds to do so.
There are many other projects in the pipeline, with the value evidenced by Blackstone’s decision to put its Cargo tower back on the market following a refurb and the upturn in perceived value with a slew of businesses opting to move to the Wharf.
The recent wins for the estate are too numerous to list fully but include challenger bank Zopa at Wood Wharf, which recently moved staff in, and the announcement that Visa will relocate its European headquarters from Paddington to One Canada Square.
With 76million people expected to have visited the estate in 2025 and a backdrop of surging demand, it’s little wonder the Qatar Investment Authority, which owns the tower HSBC is set to vacate in 2027, is considering retaining a higher proportion of office space in the structure when it tackles that refurbishment.
Having continued a relentless programme of growth and improvement across the estate, Canary Wharf is arguably better placed than ever before to welcome organisations looking for smart new homes, not least because of the Elizabeth line.
Suddenly, a new ferry with a bigger capacity between Canary Wharf Pier – next to Riverside South – and Rotherhithe looks like a very timely introduction from Uber Boat By Thames Clippers.
Visitors to Greenwich Peninsula arriving by Tube, can scarcely have failed to notice a new opening right opposite the main walkway to The O2.
The curvy three-storey structure on the south-eastern corner of Peninsula Square, which once housed Craft restaurant, has been brought back into use via a partnership between venue operator KG Hospitality and brewing giant Asahi.
“We were first in contact about two years ago,” said Ricardo Guimaraes, KG co-founder.
“The lease on their Meantime brewery at Greenwich was up, so they moved operations to Chiswick, but they still wanted to keep a presence in the Royal borough.
“The idea was to have a bar and a microbrewery so they would still be making beer here.
“We looked at a number of units inside The O2.
“They were good, but the logistics weren’t clear.
“Then we spoke to Knight Dragon – they showed us this space and we thought it was a great location.”
The venue includes plentiful screens showing sport on its first floor – image supplied by KG Hospitality
embracing the curves
Built by the developer as a sister structure to its main marketing suite for the ongoing regeneration of the Peninsula – the two cylindrical towers share a canopy roof – it’s pretty much the first place tourists and commuters arriving via the Jubilee line see when leaving North Greenwich’s northern exit.
“We especially liked the fact we have three floors, which gives us the flexibility to do different things,” said Vineet Kalra, KG’s other co-founder.
“The lower level is a tap room and houses the brewing facilities and then the first floor is focused on sports.
“The rooftop bar, which is indoors and also has a terrace, is used for events, but also as an overspill area if we get busy.”
With sales already exceeding expectations by around 25% in its first month, that’s a challenge the owners are already experiencing – albeit a nice problem to have – thanks to custom from the thousands flocking to gigs and events at The O2.
“There are about 200 shows a year and we’ve seen that, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, we can be super busy and again, lots of people stop by afterwards from about 10pm onwards,” said Ricardo.
“That’s particularly true for rock gigs where the audiences are aged 25-45 and are looking for a drink – we didn’t think we’d be selling this much beer quite so soon.
“But we’re also nicely busy between 8pm and 10pm.”
Vineet added: “We’re also really focusing on the local community.
“There’s a lot of development happening here over the next few years and there will be greater demand from people living here, so it will be interesting to see how they interact with us and what we’re offering.”
The menu features wings, sandos and burgers – image suppled by KG Hospitality
sports and snacks at The Dial
KG opened The Dial, more or less back-to-back with the launch of its second Amazing Grace live music venue.
Building on the success of its original London Bridge bar – running out of a converted church – its new Canary Wharf branch at 12 Bank Street has been well received in its first weeks.
That project drew on Ricardo and Vineet’s passion for live gigs, while The Dial taps into two of their other interests.
“Again, it’s about creating somewhere we’d like to come,” said Ricardo.
“Beer and sports appeal to us.
“We like American football, baseball – I love to watch pretty much any kind of sport.
“With this kind of venue in the UK, I think there can be a real lack of energy, so we’re trying to bring the feel of an American sports bar to London.
“We’ve spent quite a bit of time over there and we’re using that for inspiration.”
Vineet added: “That’s true of the food too.
“We’ll be doing things like wings, sandos, burgers, calamari and nachos.
“We’ll also be looking at expanding the menu in the spring and we plan to have a food truck outside too as well as an outdoor kitchen.”
The Dial is located on Greenwich Peninsula – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
brewing Meantime on site
Beer is clearly a key attraction at the venue, with KG already bringing in extra dispensers for outdoor areas and adding taps to its bars to help serve the crowds more efficiently.
Meantime is represented by a series of large tanks ready to hold the beer produced on-site, with the first brew – Citra Pale – now available.
Also in the pipeline is the return of the brand’s much beloved Yakima Red, set to be a permanent addition to the menu as soon as the first batch is produced.
Pints at the venue start at £6 for a Meantime Dial Lager, at a hangover friendly 3.4% ABV.
“We’re brewing beers here every three to five weeks and we’re engaging with local residents to offer it to them first,” said Ricardo. “It’s very important, I think, that we’re Greenwich-focused.
“The whole idea of the venue is that people can have different experiences when coming here. You can come to The Dial and have a couple of pints before going to a show at The O2.
“But then you can also come here and watch a sporting event, whether that’s boxing, football of F1 with your mates.
“We don’t look like a traditional pub so you can also come down, work on your laptop and have a drink or a meal.
“We offer private hire options and can take around 500 people if you want to book the whole venue.
“We’ve also had people visiting specifically for the beer, which is great and we’re embracing new products such as the lager and the Meantime Midnight Nitro Stout, which is proving really popular.
“What’s nice is that The Dial gives the brewery a home here again – it’s a place where people want to go and this is a great location for that.”
Vineet added: “We’re always learning and this venue will be no different.
“We want to ensure this is a home for sports, food and beer where people really feel at home.”
The venue includes a microbrewery with Meantime staff crafting beers on site – image supplied by KG Hospitality
key details: The Dial
The Dial: Home Of Meantime is open at Greenwich Peninsula daily from noon-11pm, Monday-Thursday, until 1am on Saturdays and Fridays and until midnight on Sundays.
“We are very passionate about making sure our students are appropriately qualified and experienced when they go out into the market,” said Dr Banhishikha Ghosh of the University Of Sunderland In London (UOSiL).
“We have academics here who have real-world experience of the nursing and care sectors so they can equip students with both theoretical knowledge and practical know-how.”
Banhishikha has a number of roles at the university, based on the Isle Of Dogs at Harbour Exchange.
She’s both academic champion for employability and enterprise and people, culture and environment lead for REF research in addition to her position as lecturer in health and social sciences.
This trio of jobs – located at the intersection between employment, research and academic study – means she’s well placed to showcase the institution’s offerings to individuals thinking of studying in its social care and nursing departments.
As well as a two-year foundation degree in Health And Social Care, the university offers one-year BSc top-up courses in Health And Social Care and Nursing Practice as well as postgrad courses in Public Health, Nursing Practice and Adult Nursing, the latter leading to eligibility to register with the Nursing and Midwifery Council on successful completion.
“A student, for example, might start with the former and then move on to nursing.
“Many move on from our BSc programmes to postgraduate study.
“We are a young and vibrant campus with a mix of students from all over the world and Britain.
“Many already have degrees, with some qualified as doctors, nurses and pharmacists who come to us to get a UK qualification so they can work in this country.
“One of the reasons individuals should consider studying with us is that we have a fantastic employability team, which connects students with local organisations.
“We are looking at a very dynamic employment market, now including AI, so we hold events and workshops as well as an Employability Week once a year where we bring in people working in various industries to help inform students about what skills they need.
“We also feed the students information about internships so they can go out be a part of the healthcare industry.
“Some launch careers before they finish their degrees and I see them engaged in placements and volunteering.
“That means by the time they graduate they have enough experience to apply for jobs and it feels really lovely when you see them take up their first roles.
“We rely a lot on our alumni and our network as academics to help support our students and link them up with different opportunities and organisations.
“From the first day onwards, we let students know what they have to do to build that experience.
“We advise them to get internships before they come, so they can help us work out what would be the best direction for them.
“We have three pathways we encourage our students to follow.
“The first is the managerial pathway, which trains them to understand how leadership works.
“Then there is the mental health pathway for support workers in that sector.
“Finally, there’s the research pathway, which includes data gathering, report writing and primary and secondary analysis.”
Layla Hyda, head of innovation at Revolution AI – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
working together with industry
Collaboration with outside organisations is key to the UOSiL’s offering.
The university works with many partners including near neighbour Verve Homecare and its sister company Revolution AI – both based at Harbour Exchange but primarily providing services in people’s residences.
“I’ve recently transitioned to the health tech side of the business,” said Layla Hyda, head of innovation at Revolution AI.
“My mum has been a carer for more than 25 years and refuses to retire, so I learned a lot about the sector and healthcare in general from her.
“I started off in recruitment, placing nurses in NHS hospitals, but I realised there was so much more I could give.
“I then went to work as an internal auditor, analysing care workers and their checks, working my way up to management level where I was responsible for the complex needs of children and adults and the wellbeing of the staff looking after them.
“I absolutely loved it – I learnt so much more about the sector, even though at first it felt scary being thrown in the deep end.
“Now I have the opportunity to work in innovation and improve things for the benefit of some of the most vulnerable in our society – that’s my passion.
“Having met with the university, I found they needed placements for students and that I could facilitate that.
“I knew it would be a great opportunity for them to see what working in the sector is like.
“People forget that care is not just about hospitals and nursing homes – there’s also homecare where, in a nutshell, we provide staff to look after a person in the comfort of their home.
“There’s a lot to consider, but our number one priority is always making sure that person is safe.”
The aim of the collaboration is to offer students practical experience and valuable insights into jobs available in the sector.
Layla said: “We give those coming on placements a complete induction so they understand the ins and outs of care and our company.
“If a student has an interest in complex care, for example, we put them in training sessions at no cost to them so that they can get that exposure to it and see if they want to follow that path.
“Someone interested in mental health might get similar training.
“Then students have an opportunity to sit with the operations team, dealing with rosters and recruitment and pre-employment checks.
“Depending on the student, they can go on visits with a care team in a shadowing role.
“Those not having that experience will be with us in the office, seeing everything that happens behind the scenes, and assist with that.
“That’s equally important because both operations work in conjunction with each other.”
Both the University Of Sunderland In London and Verve Homecare are based at Harbour Exchange on the Isle Of Dogs – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
the key role of research
The university is also working with Verve and Revolution AI on a research project aimed at improving training for care workers and helping providers retain staff more effectively.
In a first for the London campus, the university has been awarded £211,000 of funding from Innovate UK for a project that aims to “generate vital insight into the lived experiences of frontline care workers, to enhance quality care, support workforce wellbeing, and embed equity into social care training and delivery”.
Banhishikha said: “It’s a project that is close to our hearts.
“When I first joined the university, we had lectures and workshops, and we gave students the opportunity to talk about the placements and their experience of working in the organisation.
“In these very small but very rich focus groups, the feelings that came out were that students were not equipped enough to take care of patients and they would like it if they had better training.
“When I met Layla, I realised she had so much experience in the industry.
“Sometimes carers come and go in the industry – there’s a revolving door – and the reason could be that they do not have enough training.
“At the moment education is for carers, but not necessarily ‘by them’ or ‘with them’.
“The idea is that, in partnership with Verve and Revolution AI, we seek to enrich the training frameworks that are already there by tapping into the experience of care workers – especially those of women from migrant populations who are the backbone of the UK care system.
“We capture data from them that can be fed into the system to create robust training, which equips them better at work.
“We also want to work with others – we’d love to be connected with other organisations who are interested in this area and have information they want to share with us.”
Layla added: “For us, person-centred care is an essential part of what we do. It’s about the holistic way we deliver services – the people not the bed numbers.
“Training in the sector can be reading slides on powerpoint presentations and tick-box exercises. It’s very easy to pass and could be improved.
“With this project, we are really excited to set the bar high – we want to stop that revolving door.
“Our goal is to equip our care staff with the right tools they need to give them the confidence to go out into the field and deliver the holistic care people deserve.”
key details: Health And Social Care and Nursing courses
The University Of Sunderland In London offers a range of courses in Health And Social Care and Nursing in its Isle Of Dogs campus at Harbour Exchange.
The sleek, aquadynamic shapes of Uber Boat By Thames Clippers’ fleet have long lent London’s river a futuristic look.
Their low-profile white livery is an aesthetic more similar to advanced aircraft and sci-fi spacecraft than lumbering tugs on the water.
They look like they’re built for speed to the point where seeing them manoeuvre gently into position at a pier is something of visual paradox.
It’s impossible to be sure, but the company’s preference for such designs might well have played a part in its success in delivering fast river bus services where others had failed before.
Just seeing one of its vessels blast past at full speed is to want to board.
There’s a thrill there, a real excitement, as clouds of spray kick up behind.
While the latest addition to the fleet is a different animal altogether, its design is also a tantalising prospect for passengers.
Orbit Clipper, officially unveiled in December 2025, carries a cargo of innovation atop her twin hulls.
Built to ferry passengers between Canary Wharf and Rotherhithe, she’s being phased into operation alongside outgoing vessel Twinstar, which has spent more than five decades carrying people across various bits of the Thames.
On board Orbit Clipper’s first official crossing of the Thames – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
a massive increase in capacity
While the older boat could take up to 120 people and maximum of five bikes, Orbit has space for 150 as well as up to 100 bicycles.
Tardis-like she seems considerably bigger inside, with an intelligent roll-on, roll-off design for efficient boarding and disembarkation once safely across.
Generously glazed at the sides, passengers sit or stand beside large triangular windows that let light and views flood in.
In short, stylistically she’s a vessel well realised to serve a pier adjacent to the site that is set to be filled by the largest office tower in the UK – JP Morgan Chase’s new riverside tower.
Orbit is well cast for the future too. She’s the UK’s first fully electric, zero-emissions ferry with aluminium used to make her lighter.
The project has seen Thames Clippers work with Wight Shipyard Company, marine civil engineering consultant, Beckett Rankine, and electrical infrastructure specialist Aqua Superpower.
Uber Boat By Thames Clippers’ CEO and co-founder Sean Collins at the controls of Orbit Clipper – image supplied by Thames Clippers
creating opportunity
Uber Boat By Thames Clippers CEO and co-founder, Sean Collins, said: “It’s been a remarkable journey – it hasn’t been easy – but innovation never is.
“The team has embraced this project, nobody’s given up – we always believed it would be delivered and here we are.
“Watching Orbit crossing feels brilliant – she fits in so well with the architecture of Canary Wharf.
“We believe there’s a real opportunity here to further develop this concept and implement it at other locations along the Thames Estuary.
“Sometimes people living by the river feel disadvantaged because they have to go back inland to make a crossing.
“The Thames can be seen as a barrier and it shouldn’t be. Instead, we should be connecting our communities across it.
“Orbit Clipper not only showcases cutting-edge innovation but also sets a new standard for eco-friendly travel on the Thames, helping to shape a cleaner, greener future for Londoners and visitors alike “
Cyclists use the ferry on the day of launch – image by Thames Clippers
an emphasis on cycle routes
At Orbit’s unveiling, attended by Mayor Of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, and representatives from Uber, Innovate UK and other stakeholders in the project, there was a clear emphasis on the new craft supporting those travelling by bike.
A group of cyclists from British Triathlon wheeled their mounts on and off the vessel as a practical demonstration of the way it allows travel between major routes such as Cycle Superhighway 3 and Quietway 1.
“This is a fantastic new transport option for Londoners – not only cleaner and greener than its predecessor, but providing quicker and more accessible journeys across the river for far more people,” said Sadiq.
“Innovation and investment in travel infrastructure like this will help us navigate the challenges facing our environment and our economy as we continue building a fairer, greener, better London for everyone.”
Ruth Daniels, CEO at British Triathlon, added: “With space for up to 100 bikes, Orbit Clipper gives triathletes, commuters, tourists and anyone traveling across London a greener, a more convenient way to get around.
“The ability to integrate river bus services into their routine adds a welcome, sustainable alternative.”
Hers was a sentiment echoed by Uber UK general manager Andrew Brem. He said:
“By boat, bike or car, Londoners now have even more options to take a zero-emission journey across the capital with Uber.
“Whether you’re commuting to work or enjoying the sights of the city, the Orbit Clipper is a brilliant addition to the Thames and is an important milestone in the electrification of London’s transport options.”
The new ferry runs between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf – image supplied by Thames Clippers
zero emission running
The introduction of the new vessel also marks an important step in Thames Clippers’ mission to cut its carbon emissions by 50% by 2035.
The company is already operating three hybrid high-speed passenger vessels – Earth, Celestial and Mars.
These operate on battery power in central London to reduce emissions and biofuel elsewhere to recharge the boats’ power.
Orbit is being introduced gradually to ensure service continuity.
She is expected to be in full service by spring 2026.
Plans to have her self-dock at either end of her journey are currently on hold due to delays in supply and installation of the necessary systems.
The Mayor Of London, Sir Sadiq Khan attends the launch – image supplied by Thames Clippers
key details: Orbit Clipper
Orbit Clipper has begun a phased introduction to Uber Boat By Thames Clippers’ RB4 ferry service between Rotherhithe and Canary Wharf.
Single journeys on Oyster or via the Uber or Thames Clippers Tickets apps cost £4.10.
Passengers can buy a carnet of 20 tickets for £57.40 on the apps, reducing a single fare to £2.87.
We’re showcasing a pair of developments that offer different things in very varied parts of London, while still delivering on outdoor space.
When complete, both will see significant public amenities created, opening up the areas they are being built in for the benefit of residents and the local communities that surround them…
An artist’s impression of Dagenham Green in east London – image supplied by The Hill Group
Dagenham Green
give me the info
This is a momentous time for Dagenham Green.
The 45-acre, 3,500-home joint venture between The Hill Group and Peabody is soon set to welcome its first residents.
One, two and three-bedroom apartments are currently available for private sale at the scheme.
Fast-moving buyers, who reserve by the end of December, can claim a bauble from the development’s Christmas tree, each containing a surprise gift such as luxury homeware or premium tech.
tell me more
Incentives aside, the scheme offers a wealth of attractions in a part of London that’s set for rapid regeneration in the years to come.
Dagenham Green is located adjacent to Dagenham Dock station, offering a direct C2C rail all the way into Fenchurch Street in 21 minutes.
what about the apartments?
Prices for homes at the scheme start at £300,000, which – as an example – would buy you a one-bed on the sixth floor of The Empire building with views over the development’s Central Park.
Extending to 552sq ft, the property includes a private balcony, a bedroom with built-in wardrobes, a kitchen with integrated Bosch appliances, underfloor heating arranged throughout and plentiful storage.
A show home interior at Dagenham Green – image supplied by The Hill Group
the nuts and bolts
Apartments at The Empire are set for completion over the coming weeks and come with 999-year leases.
On-site amenities include a residents’ car club and a concierge service.
and the green space?
As part of the delivery of the wider Dagenham Green scheme, some 10 acres have been set aside for public open space.
Plans include gardens, a lake, a park and a boardwalk as well as shops, a school, a social hub and cafés.
There are also plans to honour the land’s history as part of Ford’s extensive manufacturing plant and the part it played in the campaign for female workers’ rights via a series of pieces by artist Ruth Ewan.
how far is it from the Wharf?
By public transport, Dagenham Dock is about 20 minutes from Canary Wharf via C2C and Jubilee line services from West Ham.
Located close to the A13, the same journey by car takes around the same amount of time with favourable traffic.
Properties come with full fitted kitchens – image supplied by The Hill Group
key details
One, two and three-bedroom apartments are available at Dagenham Green. Call 020 3906 1953 or email enquiries to
hello@dagenhamgreen.co.uk, to get more information or to book a viewing.
Townhouses at North Gate Park – image supplied by The Hill Group
North Gate Park
give me the info
It’s all go at North Gate Park, right now with a new show apartment unveiled last week and a show house set for launch on January 17, 2026.
Covering the best part of 18 acres, the joint venture between The Hill Group and Peabody is on course to deliver just under 1,000 homes on a site arranged around Mulberry Gardens.
tell me more
The site was formerly part of St Ann’s Hospital and features open space designed in the early 20th century with input from horticulturists at Kew Gardens aimed at providing a calm, recuperative environment for patients.
Today, the first phase in its regeneration is nearing completion with historic buildings retained on site alongside the green spaces and newly constructed buildings.
Currently one and two-bedroom apartments and three and four-bedroom townhouses are available to buyers.
what about the homes?
Prices for the apartments start at £375,000, which – as an example – would buy you a ground floor home in Marram House with a private terrace extending to some 557sq ft.
Buyers can expect lots of storage, a bedroom with built-in wardrobes, a kitchen with integrated appliances and Amtico flooring in the living space.
Houses start at £965,000 and come with open-plan design and generous private gardens.
The properties come in a variety of flexible layouts and also include underfloor heating.
A bedroom in a townhouse at North Gate Park – image supplied by The Hill Group
and the green space?
In addition to the on-site landscaping, North Gate Park is within easy striking distance of the likes of Chestnuts Park (right across the road), Finsbury Park, Woodberry Down Park and Clissold Park.
The scheme is located in a mature area of north London close to the bustling amenities of Green Lanes, the vibrancy of Seven Sisters and the attractions of the likes of Stroud Green, Crouch End and Stoke Newington, but retains a sense of calm, set just off a series of major thoroughfares.
how far is it from the Wharf?
For Wharfers considering a move, the simplest commute is probably via Seven Sisters and the Victoria line to Green Park with an easy change to the Jubilee to access the estate in around 40 minutes.
The balcony at a show apartment at the scheme – image supplied by The Hill Group
key details
One and two-bedroom apartments and three and four-bedroom houses are available at North Gate Park.
Call the sales team on 020 8501 8777 or email enquiries to
hello@northgatepark.co.uk, to get more information or to book a viewing.
The past 12 months have been a thrilling time for the Canary Wharf hospitality scene, with many new venues opening their doors.
Wood Wharf has been right at the heart of the excitement, welcoming the likes of Ong Lai Kopitaim, Signorelli, Café Seek, Supershakes and Crate, alongside a clutch of independent businesses.
Now there’s floristry at The Flower Club, exercise at The Island Reformer Pilates studio, four-legged friend pampering at Pawsome Pet Grooming And Spa, manicures and pedicures at Awe London, chic cuts at Wayne Hairdresser Salon and clothing care and manufacture at Omnifix.
All are part of Canary Wharf Group’s collaboration with Tower Hamlets Council to offer affordable space to small firms, bringing the area to life.
Located on the corner of West Lane and Union Square, the venue is a warm space clad in wood, terracotta tiles and Turkish vinyl LPs.
It’s the latest opening from brothers Ozgur and Sidar Akyuz, who together run Café Beam – bunch-focused venues in Crouch End, Muswell Hill, Highbury and Notting Hill.
Nora, however, is a fresh venture – a chance to do something different.
Co-owner of Nora, Ozgur Akyuz – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
why the Wharf is a place to innovate
“You can do things in Canary Wharf that you can’t do anywhere else,” said Ozgur, who spent time working in fintech before joining his brother in hospitality.
“The area is very familiar to me – I used to come here a lot because many of our clients were based on the Wharf.
“It was a very positive period in my life and I have great memories.
“It’s very international in vibe and it’s incredible to see how much it has changed.
“When I first came here it felt almost sparse, but now it’s much cosier.
“The ecosystem is very diverse – people live here, they visit and there are lots of places to shop, eat and drink. It’s become something really interesting.
“Part of the idea with Nora was to open a restaurant with a more independent feel – something you might find on the streets of Soho or Shoreditch.
“As operators, we can be creative and hopefully open something people love at a high level.”
The restaurant features an eclectic mix of interior styles including vintage Turkish vinyl – image by Nora
Nora: a personal project
Sidar added: “It’s almost as though we’ve had inside information that Wood Wharf is going to be an area that will really be buzzing – a place we can bring some extra soul to.
“Restaurants can really help an area to thrive and we want to contribute to that.”
Having ridden the wave of popularity in the brunch sector with Cafe Beam, which opened its first branch in 2013, Nora is more experimental and opens daily for lunch and dinner.
“We’re both Turkish and born in London, so it’s a personal project,” said Ozgur.
“We’ve looked at other cuisines and have always seen a level of progression, where it’s gone from one thing to another – people have experimented and created something new.
“When we look at Turkish cuisine in London, it’s always stayed in a particular style of restaurant.
“Everyone loves it and people have done a really great job, but what we want to do now is to show some of the diversity of Turkish cuisine at Nora.
“Mangal-style cooking on charcoal is still there on our menu, but we want to be more creative with it, not following dogmatic rules.
“There’s just so much more to the country’s food. Looking at Turkish culture, there’s a lot of history – there’s so much to play with – and it would be a shame not to explore that.
“That’s what we’re trying to do here in a way that’s accessible and exciting.
“Turkish hospitality is really uplifting, it’s entertaining and generous and we don’t want to lose that – but at Nora, we also want to push the boundaries.”
Nora’s co-owner, Sidar Akyuz – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
a twist on tradition
Alongside fresh takes on kebabs, diners can expect a heavy focus on fish and seafood.
Sidar said: “We want people to be surprised when they come here – familiar dishes with a twist. My favourite thing on the menu is the mackerel.
“On the Bosphorus they catch this fish and grill it right there on the boat, put it between two pieces of bread with some salad and eat it. It’s real street food.
“In the restaurant, we cook it with a very nice herb sauce that’s very reminiscent of those flavours.”
Ozgur added: “The idea is to keep the menu changing with big cuts of fish and meat alongside dishes such as Adana Kofte kebab with confit garlic yogurt.
“We do things in a way you won’t have seen before.
“On the meze side, for example, we’ll do onion dolmas – Turkish dumplings – but filled with crab in a crab bisque.
“These are my favourite because you hardly ever see them on a menu, but everyone’s cooking them at home.
“It’s a dish that encapsulates everything we’re trying to do at Nora to showcase the history of Turkish cuisine.”
Ozgur’s favourite, Onion Dolma, Crab and Crab Bisque – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
filled with Turkish flavours
Beyond the food, the restaurant’s drinks promise a similar blend of tradition and fresh ideas.
“We have cocktails mixed using Turkish spices – classic drinks made new to you through the ingredients we use,” said Ozgur.
“Everything we do has a nod to Turkey in it somewhere.
“The wine list will be predominantly Turkish, but there’ll also be wines from neighbouring countries, like Georgia.
“For some of the wines, we’re the first people to import them from Turkey – we’ve found small vineyards run by people who are really passionate and we are giving them the opportunity to showcase their wines here.
“When you’re doing these projects, the hardest thing is to stay true to what you’re trying to achieve – everyone has their own idea of what it should be.
“Canary Wharf Group worked hard to get us here and has been very supportive.
“They’ve been really helpful through the process and we know – following the pandemic – how important it is to have good landlords.”
Cucumber Cacik at the recently opened venue – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
key details: Nora
Nora is located at 7 West Lane on the edge of Union Square and is open daily from noon-2.45pm and from 5.30pm-9.45pm.
Dishes are available a la carte or diners can opt for set menus at £45 or £65 per person
A pair of show homes are set to be unveiled on Greenwich Peninsula as developer and housing association L&Q turbo-charges its marketing efforts to sell apartments at Prime Point.
The new show homes, which can only be viewed by appointment, are located on the 19th floor and allow prospective buyers a glimpse into what life at Prime Point is like.
L&Q is also offering a 5% deposit contribution on selected private sale homes to boost affordability for buyers.
“Prime Point has been created with comfort, style and everyday living in mind,” said Claire Brenlund, sales and marketing director for L&Q.
“From the bespoke kitchens to private outdoor spaces and selected homes offering panoramic views, every detail has been considered to offer buyers a home they’ll love coming back to.
“What really sets Prime Point apart is the lifestyle it unlocks – waterside walks, cultural experiences, brilliant local amenities and unbeatable transport links.
“It’s a development that brings together design, convenience and a strong sense of place, making it an exciting choice for anyone looking to put down roots in Greenwich Peninsula.”
The show apartments are available to view by appointment – image supplied by L&Q
Prime Point connections
Located in the Brickfields area of the 150-acre Greenwich Peninsula masterplan, Prime Point is an eight-minute walk from North Greenwich station.
Connections from there put commuters in Canary Wharf in two minutes, in London Bridge in eight minutes and at Westminster in 13 minutes.
An extensive selection of bus routes also connect residents to a multitude of south-east London destinations.
Properties at Prime Point themselves include bespoke, handleless fitted kitchens with quartz worktops and integrated Siemens and Bosch appliances.
Each apartment boasts private outdoor space with many enjoying views over the surrounding skylines.
Facilities at the development include a concierge service, a residents’ lounge and landscaped communal spaces.
The area around the development continues to see significant regeneration work, building on the legacy of key attractions such as The O2, the IFS Cloud Cable Car, Design District and Ravensbourne University.
Greenwich Peninsula is becoming an increasingly desirable place to live, thanks to the arrival of a range of local amenities.
These include bars, restaurants and stores– especially the flourishing outlet shopping centre in The O2.
The Dial, a new sports bar and microbrewery, has also just opened its doors in the area, marking Meantime’s return to brewing beer in the borough.
Properties feature private outdoor space including some with views over the Thames – image supplied by L&Q
key details: Prime Point
Prices for a studio apartment at Prime Point start at £399,950. Deposits start at £19,998.
Shared ownership properties can also be reserved at the scheme and London Living Rent homes will be launching in due course.
Housing association NHG Homes has unveiled a winter incentive with buyers able to claim up to £6,688 cashback on selected one and two-beds when purchasing a new apartment from the organisation.
Launched in the run-up to Christmas, the offer applies to shared ownership properties at a number of developments across London.
The money can be added to a buyer’s deposit, used to purchase a larger share of the property or go towards covering legal costs for the transaction.
Alternatively, buyers can choose to keep the cash on completion of the deal and use it in whatever way they wish including buying furniture or covering moving costs.
Naturally, terms and conditions apply and buyers must complete within timescales set by NHG Homes.
Any cashback is payable up to 28 days after completion.
To give readers an idea of the kind of home they might expect to buy with the incentive here are two of the housing association’s developments where the offer is available.
The View At Aspect – image by NHG Homes
The View At Aspect
Located in Croydon and benefiting from the area’s extensive amenities, prices for a 25% share in a one-bed here start at £83,125.
NHG Homes says monthly costs for rent, mortgage and service charge start at £994 per month – around £400 less than renting a comparable property in the area – with buyers able to secure a home with a deposit of £4,157.
Prospective purchasers can expect properties featuring open-plan design, full height windows and bi-fold doors protecting private winter gardens that can be used all year round.
The scheme is located near East Croydon station which offers connections to Canary Wharf in about 20 minutes via national rail and the Jubilee line.
Those traveling further afield can get to Gatwick Airport in about 15 minutes. Wellesley Road tram stop is also nearby.
Locally, there are a wealth of restaurants, bars and attractions to explore including Boxpark, Wandle Park and concert venue Fairfield Halls.
The scheme offers a selection of residents’ facilities including a concierge service and a gym as well as landscaped communal gardens and on-site shops.
Offering one and two-bedroom pet friendly apartments, which all come with private balconies, prospective buyers can expect to pay from £1,028 per month to cover rent, mortgage and service charges.
NHG Homes says that equates to annual savings of about £6,864 compared with renting a similar property nearby.
Prices at the development start at £90,000 for a 25% share of a one-bed at the scheme, with buyers also enjoying access to the wider regeneration of the area just across the railway line.
This includes the wider open spaces of Cator Park, a pub and a collection of shops and amenities.
key details: shared ownership apartments from NHG Homes
Prices at The View At Aspect in Croydon start at £83,125 for a 25% share of a one-bedroom apartment based on a full market value of £332,500.
Prices at Kidbrooke Square in Greenwich start at £90,000 for a 25% share of a one-bedroom apartment based on a full market value of £360,000.
The much-loved skating facility is back on the Wharf, with sessions available right through until February 22.
This year there’s a new refreshment area, more ice to skate on, upgraded lighting and even churros for those in need of a sugar boost before or after they hit the rink.
Afterwards, the Oasis Bar stands ready to serve refreshments.
Tickets start at £13.95 or £49.95 for a family pass for four people.
GoBoat has an all weather solution for its hire vessels – image by GoBoat
This new venue includes an Ice Bar (from £24.95), a German Bierhaus with live entertainment and a lodge-style Chalet.
Created by Urban Playground – the team behind The Cube – the three venues offer a fresh, festive option for Wharfers looking to socialise or celebrate right through until February.
There’s even a stall selling saucy hot dogs.
The Bierhaus and Chalet will both take walk-ins, while booking is advised for the Ice Bar. Guests for the latter are advised to dress warmly as it’s kept at -10ºC.
Join the Rat Pack at Boisdale Of Canary Wharf – image by Boisdale
This venue has a truly packed festive programme over Christmas and New Year.
Having just launched its Highland Lodge terrace which offers heated tables and generous servings of fondue, there are also seasonal menus for lunch and dinner to explore.
Visitors can expect the sounds of the Rat Pack and plenty of festive cheer throughout December as well as a blockbuster New Year’s Eve celebration that’s certain to run on into the small hours.
Book early to avoid disappointment.
Marceline is hosting The Curling Club on its terraces – image by The Curling Club
The floating restaurant at Wood Wharf has teamed up with The Curling Club to offer Wharfers something a bit different over the cooler months.
In place until February 28, 2026 – anticipating the Winter Olympics, the venue will have five lanes for guests to use with a range of options for larger groups and office parties.
Pay and play sessions start at £15, while standard package offers include an hour of curling with a meal and a drink for £45.
The club already runs successful sites in Chelsea and Vinegar Yard.
Jo Malone’s special event is set to take place from December 4-6 – image by Jo Malone
