Immerse LDN is set to welcome its latest exhibition, House Of Dreamers, in June 2026.
Created by designers Elena and Giulia Sella, the attraction invites visitors to explore a series of 16 immersive installations, spread across 27,000sq ft of space.
The exhibition comes to London with an AI-based update, after being seen by more than 2million people in four European cities.
Guests of all ages are promised “an emotional journey into the world of dreams” via a blend of design, colour and technology.
New for London, visitors are invited to interact with “AI-powered moments” throughout the exhibition using House Of Dreamers’ DreamBand wearable devices, designed to personalise each experience in real time, meaning no two trips to the attraction are alike.
Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in the exhibition – image supplied by House Of Dreamers
from Europe to London
“London represents a strategic milestone for House Of Dreamers and a key step in its international expansion,” said Andrea Cecchi, CEO of Postology, the exhibition’s producer.
“After Milan, Rome, Madrid and Paris, we chose London because it is one of the world’s leading creative capitals, where innovation, entertainment and international business converge and shape the future of immersive experiences.
“To bring this vision to life, we chose Immerse LDN at Excel London – the capital’s newest immersive entertainment district and the UK’s largest destination dedicated to such entertainment.
“Its international positioning made it the ideal partner to host House Of Dreamers on a global stage.”
The attraction features AI technology designed to personalise visitors’ experiences – image supplied by House Of Dreamers
building on a legacy
Immerse LDN is the UK’s largest immersive entertainment district and occupies space along Excel London’s extensive waterfront overlooking the Royal Docks.
Extending to some 160,000sq ft, it features multiple venue spaces that have welcomed more than 1.7million visitors since launch.
Previous attractions have included Jurassic World: The Exhibition, The Friends Experience: The One In London, Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition and The Formula 1 Exhibition.
“We’re thrilled to welcome another internationally acclaimed experience to Immerse LDN and to be collaborating with the visionary team at House of Dreamers,” said Damian Norman, director at Immerse LDN.
“In its short time since opening, Immerse LDN has brought more than 10 innovative immersive experiences to the capital, all showcasing London’s credentials as a global hub for immersive entertainment and activations.”
The exhibition will be in east London from June until September – image supplied by House Of Dreamers
key details: House Of Dreamers
House Of Dreamers is set to open at Immerse LDN on June 26, 2026.
Ticket prices for the exhibition start at £15.90 and dates through to the end of September are available.
The attraction will be open daily from 10am on weekdays and from 9am at weekends.
Released under the name Waterside, the apartments are already proving popular with buyers with 11 reserving properties over the launch weekend.
One, two and three-bedroom homes are currently available through the scheme, with prices starting at £82,125 for a 25% share in a one-bed.
Buyers can expect balconies and larger properties that are both dual aspect and feature views over either the London skyline or Southmere Lake.
Kitchens come with integrated Bosch appliances and white units, while bathrooms are clad in grey porcelain with black hardware and white sanitaryware.
Peabody says shared ownership properties can be secured with a deposit of as little as £8,312 with projected monthly outgoings of £1,175.
The properties feature private balconies – image supplied by Peabody New Homes
a tranquil focus
“We are excited to have launched our new Shared Ownership collection at Southmere, designed to make aspirational waterside living more accessible to prospective homebuyers,” said Raquel Soares, assistant director of sales strategy, intelligence and compliance at Peabody New Homes.
“With Southmere Lake providing a tranquil focus for the area, our Waterside collection at Southmere places buyers at the heart of this growing neighbourhood.
“Close to exciting new amenities, exceptional transport links and extensive greenery, Southmere delivers the benefits of buying in one of the capital’s most dynamic regeneration areas.
“We encourage potential buyers to register their interest as soon as possible to be among the first to find out more.”
Abbey Wood is still near the beginning of a massive regeneration project that will see the area completely transformed.
A show home interior at Waterside in Peabody’s Southmere scheme – image supplied by Peabody New Homes
connections to Southmere
The arrival of the Elizabeth Line places it within 12 minutes of Canary Wharf. The area also benefits from rail services and a DLR extension to North Thamesmead has been proposed, to further boost connectivity.
Right now, however, new local amenities have already come on stream.
Part of the Southmere scheme, Cygnet Square hosts monthly markets and events while residents are also able to access The Nest Library And Community Space.
The Lakeside Centre, also on the lake, hosts artists studios operated by charity Bow Arts and the Thamesmead Social Cafe.
The area has a striking amount of green space to explore, extending to some 240 acres with Thamesmead home to a further four lakes and at least 7km of canals as well as a river path along the Thames.
key details: Southmere
Pricing for homes in the shared ownership collection at Southmere start at £83,125 for a 25% stake in a one-bedroom apartment, based on a full market value of £332,500
West India Quay company offers cooking and cruising on its BBQ Boats, relaxed exploration on its Hot Tub Boats and contrast therapy aboard its Sauna Boats
As the weather warms up, Skuna is gearing up for barbecue season with its BBQ Boats at West India Quay in Canary Wharf – image supplied by Skuna
Summer party season is rapidly approaching as the weather warms and Wharfers turn their thoughts to socialising in the sunshine.
Whether organising a full-blown corporate event or something smaller, the key to success is often opting for a memorable venue – a place that offers an experience like no other.
Operating from West India Quay, Skuna does exactly that.
First there are its BBQ Boats, offering gentle cruising on the waters of the dock for up to 10 diners.
These come complete with a central grill where guests can cook their own ingredients or indulge in a range of packages.
Then there are the Hot Tub Boats, craft filled with heated fresh water that can be sailed widely in the canals and basins that make up the West India Dock complex.
Finally, there are three Sauna Boats offering communal or private contrast therapy with spaces heated by wood-fired stoves and cold plunges on the roof of the main vessel.
All are available for hire in a multitude of ways, with Skuna even offering parties the opportunity to combine experiences across its extensive fleet.
Each vessel can take up to 10 passengers with a maximum of 100 across the BBQ Boat fleet – image supplied by Skuna
cooking together
“It’s National Barbecue Week at the end of May and in celebration, we’re launching a whole array of new food packages for our BBQ Boats,” said Stuart “Tommo” Thomson, Skuna’s founder.
“These include the British Barbecue with hot dogs, beefburgers and a variety of sides such as potato salad and slaw all prepared in-house.
“Then there’s the Mediterranean package with incredible wraps, lamb, garnishes, dips, grilled aubergine and a halloumi hot dog.
“We’ll also be introducing our Surf And Turf, with tuna steaks, king prawns, chicken and sirloin steaks.
“We have 10 boats so we can have 100 people on the water at any one time.
“Across the whole business, we can accommodate about 160 guests for a multi-boat event including hot tubs and saunas.
“Barbecue is a great way to cook together and also a wonderful way to collaborate making it perfect for corporate events.”
Skuna’s Hot Tub Boats have become a familiar sight in Canary Wharf’s waterways – image supplied by Skuna
an immersive experience
Skuna is now in its eighth year hiring vessels in the waters around Canary Wharf having started with its hot tub boats – a familiar sight in the area.
Tommo said: “They’re still my favourite experience – they really put a smile on people’s faces.
“This will be our fifth season with the BBQ Boats and they’re growing and growing in popularity.
“We love large group bookings and we’ve had companies hire the whole fleet for summer parties in the past – it’s the ideal summer activity where people can combine, socialising, sailing, dining and drinking in one.
“Sauna Boat is our latest offering. Designed in Scandinavia, they have large glass walls so people can enjoy the heat while looking out over the dock. It’s really relaxing.
“We have one large one and two smaller ones that can accommodate up to six people each.”
The business also offers contrast therapies aboard its Sauna Boats – image supplied by Skuna
for individual or group hire
All of Skuna’s boats can be hired individually or booked in blocks to accommodate larger parties, events or celebrations including birthdays, anniversaries and even weddings.
“During the colder months, the business converts its BBQ Boats into Igloo Boats and serves fondues.
“We’re currently looking at expanding our existing fleet and we’re always on the lookout for new water-based experiences we can bring to our customers,” said Tommo.
“For me, the more that happens on the water, the more interesting Canary Wharf becomes as a place to visit, have fun and entertain.”
There are cold plunge facilities on the sauna’s roof – image supplied by Skuna
One of the key elements of Wharf Wellness is bringing people together to share experiences, knowledge and skills.
Dr Pippa Wood is a Canary Wharf-based personal trainer at Third Space and a practising psychologist – one of a number of experts set to take part in a panel discussion as part of the festival at 6pm on June 23, 2026 at Sea Lanes Canary Wharf.
Entitled Wellness Or Performance? Are We Driving Ourselves Into Exhaustion? the public event will consider changing attitudes to exercise and activity.
The other panellists will be Poppy Delbridge, founder of Rapid Tapping, Ross Gilbert, managing director of Sea Lanes, Zanna Van Dijk a content creator and author of Strong and host Adrienne Adhami of the Power Hour Podcast.
“Earlier on in my career, people would come to me with more aesthetic-focused goals – they wanted to get leaner and build more muscle,” said Pippa.
“Now, what I’m seeing with the majority of my PT clients is that they want to train for longevity, general health and wellbeing.
“They might be looking to address lower back pain, knee pain or low energy levels.
“They’re mindful of what may occur in the future, so they’re looking at exercise from a preventative standpoint – it’s a welcome change.”
Pippa grew up in Leeds and dabbled in dancing but “wasn’t very sporty”.
She started going to the gym as a teenager and found she really enjoyed it, experimenting with different classes and feeling good.
She’d also train with her rugby-playing dad every Saturday.
Third Space’s two clubs in Canary Wharf offer a wide range of facilities and classes at all levels of intensity – image by Third Space
discovering the gym
She said: “He was born in Australia and has always been active, so I followed that model and eventually got there.
“Exercise became a really big part of my life – it was energising and left me feeling ready to study.”
After qualifying as a trainer, studying psychology in London and completing her PhD in resilience and mental wellbeing in Leeds, she relocated to Australia.
Taking in Sydney and the Gold Coast “over five or six years” she engaged in further clinical training as a psychologist and worked in private practice before moving back to the UK.
In London she’s reinvigorated her role as a trainer alongside her work in mental health, separately but with each discipline informing the other.
“As a psychologist, I often see people in a clinical setting for treatment of anxiety and depression,” she said.
“When people incorporate more movement in their lives, the therapeutic benefits are very evident, especially when they set themselves relevant and achievable goals.
“From a physiological perspective, even 15 minutes of activity can do so much for the brain.
“It pumps more oxygenated blood, delivering dopamine, serotonin and endorphins to make us feel great.
“My background in psychology and my PhD have been super helpful in my career, whether it’s treating clients or on the gym floor.
“What I found in the research is that training harder isn’t always better, from a mental health perspective.
“Training smarter and being in tune with your body is key.
“We found more significant improvements in mental health with low to moderate exercise.
“Setting yourself goals and running a marathon and achieving that can be beneficial too, but a hard regime and a structured approach isn’t always beneficial for the way you feel.”
For Wharf Wellness, Third Space is teaming up with Friday Night Lates to offer special evening classes on June 24 – image supplied by Canary Wharf Group
pursuing fitness through enjoyment
“The whole ethos of Third Space is it’s about training for life,” added Pippa.
“That includes the social aspect as well as enjoying the exercise.
“It’s good to do things because we want to, not because we feel we have to.
“That really is super important.
“That’s one of the reasons I wanted to work at Third Space.
“My partner had brought me over to Canary Wharf and I just fell in love with the place.
“At the two clubs, people will experience very warm and welcoming spaces that offer a wide variety of classes to meet an incredible range of needs.
“The advice I give people is to keep an open mind and try different things to see what you like.
“Enjoying yourself is vital and it will help give you the confidence to navigate the equipment on gym floor.
“The feel is supportive – we’re all part of the same community working towards the same goal.”
key details: Wharf Wellness
Wellness Or Performance? Are We Driving Ourselves Into Exhaustion? is set to take place on June 23, 2026, at 6pm at Sea Lanes Canary Wharf.
Being unable to decode complicated written texts can affect all areas of a person’s life.
The charity says people with poor literacy are twice as likely to be unemployed and, for those in work, earn 60% less on average than those able to read well.
Then there are many wider social impacts – the challenges faced by children when their parents struggle with literacy, the shame and stigma the adults feel when masking a lack of ability and the extreme social exclusion of simply not having access to the same information as everybody else.
Worse still, marginalised communities are among the worst affected including ethnic minorities, ex-offenders and those living in poverty.
To help break those cycles, the trust recruits volunteers to act as reading coaches for adults.
Working with learning providers, they take part in free one-to-one sessions for people on courses to help them improve their skills, gain confidence and boost their employability and general wellbeing.
Being able to decode the written word is an essential life skill – image by Megan Lee / Pexels
giving something back
“My father left school at 13, so his education was interrupted,” said Declan Cashin, who volunteers as a reading coach through the Adult Literacy Trust at New City College’s Poplar campus.
“He could read, but it probably held him back.
“I’ve made a career out of reading and writing, I know the joy they can bring and how important these skills are, but I also understand how vulnerable someone can feel if they’re having trouble with them.
“I’ve been involved in voluntary work before, but that was usually over the phone or through text messaging.
“I missed interacting with people and being a reading coach is something you have to do in person, so it seemed the perfect thing to try.”
Born in Ireland, Declan knew he wanted to become a journalist at a young age but initially studied English at university after a teacher talked him out of it.
Nevertheless, after graduating he trained to be a reporter and spent years working in the media, moving to London more than a decade and a half ago.
Today he lives in Hackney and works in communications in Stratford having succumbed to the lure of a “steady desk job”.
Having discovered the Adult Literacy Trust online, he applied to become a volunteer, enrolled on its training programme and began one-to-one sessions earlier this year.
from interview to training
“The trust had an initial chat with me and then invited me for an interview to get a sense of my style and temperament – to ensure I had the right approach and level of empathy for the role,” said Declan.
“Part of that process was about remembering what it was like to learn a skill, recalling being bad at something and then learning to keep that in your head because it’s probably how the person you’re matched with will be feeling about reading.”
Volunteers, who must be 18 or older, complete training sessions across four modules that include topics such as the purpose of the coaching role, who the learners are, the skills and knowledge needed and safeguarding.
They are then matched with a reader and meet with them weekly during term time, typically for an hour.
“During training we were taken into classes at New City College to meet people who were using the trust’s service and to see how they were responding to it,” said Declan.
“One of the things I noticed was how much more seriously everyone seemed to be taking their education in comparison to a school classroom.
“These people are really dedicated.
“Older students often have many responsibilities – multiple jobs, kids and studying – and on top of that they’re taking time to improve their literacy.
“It’s incredible to see people making that effort to succeed.
“I learnt that people often come to the Adult Literacy Trust when they are aiming to get a particular job or responsibility within their career and that further education is a route to that.”
Declan said that, while those using the trust’s services were struggling with literacy, that didn’t mean they couldn’t read at all.
meeting for the first time
“I was matched with a learner from the charity’s waiting list and we met for our first session just to get to know one another,” said Declan.
“He was born overseas and came to the UK as a teenager, so his schooling was interrupted.
“His reading was actually already very good, but he wanted to gain confidence. He was also very clear that he wanted to maximise what he was getting from his course at the college.
“We sit in the library and read.
“At first we used the Metro newspaper because there are passages of different lengths and lots of different levels of complexity – everything from features to advertorials and sports stories.
“It was a good way to get a sense of his ability and what he was interested in, and then I could start to tailor the material.
“A couple of weeks later he brought his own book from home, and we’ve been reading some of that for the last few weeks.
“He knows what his issues are and what he needs to work on.
“He’ll run into certain words he needs to spend longer on.
“He can read very well, but it’s making sure the comprehension is there too.
“One of the things I’ve learnt from volunteers and the trust is that it’s crucial to make sure the learners are understanding what they are reading.
“It’s something that’s easy to take for granted if you don’t have that issue yourself.
“People want to improve their skills for many different reasons.
“It might be to read for themselves for pleasure, reading to their kids, understanding official documents or reading material related to their studies.
“We’re not there as teachers – we always refer learners back to their course leader to answer any questions on their studies – we’re there to help them develop the tools to engage with text, to break it down and to understand it.
“You certainly don’t have to be an expert on what they are studying.
“In the end, all you need to be is patient and constructive with your feedback to encourage them.
“English is a strange, irregular language – it’s not always easy to understand. With my guy, we go at his pace.
“We’ve been reading his book for the last few weeks.
“There might be certain words we need to spend longer on but that’s absolutely fine.
“Sometimes it’s about helping him understand that something isn’t actually very well written in the first place and why that might be.
“Getting through a few paragraphs is better than none.
“His book is quite academic and complicated, but seeing him dive into it and his confidence growing has been really wonderful.”
getting something back
Declan said volunteering with the charity had been a pleasant surprise since he began as a coach.
“It’s very rewarding,” he said.
“I get to come to New City College, which is so buzzy – filled with people who are getting on with things.
“It’s allowed me to meet people I perhaps wouldn’t have otherwise encountered and taking an hour out of my day to help someone is a real privilege.
“You also learn about yourself – how good you are at giving feedback and putting people at ease.
“It’s also about getting involved with something local that connects you to the people in the area you live and work in.
“I’ve got so much out of it, I come out of our weekly session feeling really pumped up.
“Everyone – the learners and the volunteers – are in this for the right reasons and it’s really inspiring.”
they say
The Adult Literacy Trust gathers regular feedback from service users. Here are some of their comments on the sessions it provides:
“It helps me to catch more, you know, so, with my teacher, I can ask him more questions. So, he is explaining more about what I’m interested in and I can talk with him about whatever I wish. It’s helping me a lot to improve my English.”
“Learning to read has opened so many doors for me. It wasn’t always smooth sailing, but my volunteer, Janine, stuck with me through it all. She never stopped encouraging me.”
“Because of her, I found the courage to apply for a job I never thought was possible – and I landed it. This programme has helped me read, but it’s much more than that – it’s been a turning point in my life.”
“Before, when they say we should read in class, well, I tried to put myself back. But now when it gets to my turn to read, I’m happy to, even if I make one mistake.”
“It helps you with your mental health and wellbeing because you are reading with someone that will listen to you. It’s really helpful to become, for a moment, separate from all the hustle and bustle around you.”
Source: Adult Literacy Trust
key details: Adult Literacy Trust
The Adult Literacy Trust is currently accepting applications from prospective volunteers for training sessions in September.
Those wishing to find out more can email the charity’s volunteer and training coordinator via laura@alt.org.uk for more details or visit the organisation’s website here.
Buyers considering a move to Greenwich Peninsula have, in many senses, got everything laid out before them.
The area is home to the The O2 – the world’s most successful indoor arena, as measured by ticket sales – and it’s exactly these kinds of local facilities that make it an increasingly attractive place to put down roots.
Homes are currently on sale at Prime Point – a development by housing association L&Q located on West Parkside between Mary Magdalene All Through School and Central Park.
The scheme includes two bronze towers with the largest topping out at 29 storeys as well as lower rise brick-clad buildings.
Inside properties range from studios to three-bedroom apartments with prices starting at £399,950.
Buyers can expect floor-to-ceiling glazing, private outdoor space for all apartments and fully fitted kitchens with integrated Siemens and Bosch appliances.
The development also boasts a private roof terrace with views over the surrounding area, a lounge and a concierge service.
Located on Greenwich Peninsula, the homes are surrounded by an ever-growing complement of amenities – image supplied by L&Q
Prime Point has been ‘well received’
“We’re delighted to be delivering more new homes in Greenwich Peninsula – an exciting, fast-growing destination neighbourhood,” said Claire Brenlund, L&Q sales and marketing director.
“Sales at Prime Point have been well received and we expect continued strong demand here.
“Residents will have everything they need right on their doorstep, with many enjoying spectacular views of the City and beyond – making this the perfect place for a mix of local people, city workers and professionals to call home.”
There are multiple ways to secure an apartment at Prime Point, with L&Q offering those who reserve a property before May 31, 2026, a contribution of up to £29,750 towards stamp duty and £10,000 towards buying costs.
The housing association also offers a Rate Reducer scheme aimed at bringing down monthly mortgage costs.
Perhaps the greatest incentive to consider an apartment at Prime Point, however, is the location itself.
Well connected, the development is about eight minutes’ walk from North Greenwich Tube station, offering rapid connections to Canary Wharf, Stratford and the City via the Jubilee line.
The Peninsula is also well served by Uber Boat By Thames Clippers’ river bus services and the IFS Cable Car which takes passengers over the river to Royal Docks.
As the regeneration of the area continues, residents will benefit not only from the entertainment, shopping and drinking and dining venues in The O2, but a succession of other venues.
Design District delivers on street food and workspace alongside recent arrival The Dial, a microbrewery that’s seen Meantime return to making beer in the borough.
Other notable local attractions include luxury hotel complex Intercontinental The O2, cultural hub the Firepit Gallery and sailing venue the Greenwich Yacht Club.
The development also benefits from plentiful open space with multiple pathways, parks and locations to explore, all bounded by the Thames with views across to Royal Docks, Blackwall, the Isle Of Dogs and Canary Wharf to enjoy while out and about.
Buyers can expect fully fitted kitchens with integrated Siemens and Bosch appliances – image supplied by L&Q
key details: Prime Point
Homes at Prime Point on Greenwich Peninsula are on sale now through L&Q. Prices start at £399,950 for a studio apartment.
Regeneration was very much the word when the Canary Wharf project was starting out.
But 35 years after One Canada Square was officially opened, it’s renewal and evolution that are everywhere.
Quietly, across the estate, structures that have stood for most of the last three decades have been refurbished and improved.
Some have been less obvious – 25 Cabot Square and One Cabot Square don’t look all that different from the outside but have enjoyed internal improvements.
Similarly, Citi’s £1billion refit of 25 Canada Square is also largely an internal affair that won’t massively alter the skyline.
But that’s not the only approach.
30 South Colonnade, once home to Reuters, has been transformed into YY London with glass and metal preferred as a much more open facade to the dated white marble cladding.
This striking glow-up was enough to attract Revolut as anchor tenant with Deutsche Bank and Until as neighbours.
25 North Colonnade has also had a polish, a rebrand as Cargo and may soon be back on the market for £250million having been fully let by owner Blackstone.
Canary Wharf Group itself is currently consulting on plans for a radical overhaul of 8 Canada Square, currently occupied by HSBC and possibly in line for a new life as a mixed use scheme with chunks carved out of its upper levels.
Canary Wharf Group development manager Sarah Moss is part of the team working on One Eden – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
a new identity: One Eden
But perhaps the poster-child for the estate’s latest rebirth – a process that’s clearly playing a part in the rush of companies relocating to or within the Wharf – should be One Eden.
Located right opposite YY London, there are plans to take 33 Canada Square, originally part of Citi’s cluster, and give the structure its own identity at the head of Eden Dock.
The reason for this is that Canary Wharf Group’s approach to urban renewal schemes of this kind is significantly more complex than simply getting out the paint pots and laying some new carpet.
To find out more, Wharf Life sat down with development manager Sarah Moss, part of the team working on One Eden.
“With this kind of project, it’s about looking at an existing building with really brilliant bones and asking how we can transform it into a sustainable office space suitable for companies to use today and in the future,” she said.
“It’s my job, day-to-day, to deal with the architecture, that sustainability mission and to engage with occupiers so we can bring all these things together and make a really great product for our stakeholders.
“At present, Citi staff are using the building as they prepare to move into the tower next door when it’s refurbished so we’re gearing up to redevelop One Eden so a new occupier can move straight in.
“With schemes like this, it’s always a decision to be made – do you let the building as-is, do you do a light refurbishment or a major reinvention?
“We’ve looked at the market, at Canary Wharf and what we want this asset to be. It’s right in the middle of the estate and has such great potential to be a better class of building.
“Responding to occupier demand, we think we can deliver something really great for our customers.
“Our conclusion is that it’s a really well-structured building that can be made more sustainable.”
energy and regeneration
Originally from Australia, Sarah has spent the last eight years working in development in various roles for Lendlease, which brought her to the UK in 2022.
She joined Canary Wharf Group after a spell at British Land about seven months ago.
“Britain has these incredible regeneration projects and to be involved in them as part of my career was a real drive for me to come here,” she said.
“Canary Wharf was always somewhere we looked at when I was studying and working in Australia and I love the vibrancy of London.
“There’s always something to do and the drive to get things done.
“Everyone seems really engaged and excited to do things whether that’s working on projects like this or their social lives.
“I love the energy that the city brings.”
It’s not too much of a stretch to say that Canary Wharf Group’s plans for One Eden are squarely aimed at bringing fresh energy into the building.
Sarah said: “One of the really innovative features that we’re intending to bring to the tower is opening up an entrance on its lower level – so it’s right there when you emerge from the Jubilee line.
“It should really help the building come alive, creating new connections and allowing people to walk through.
“One of the things about the building is that it’s so well situated and we’re looking at including three retail spaces in the face of the building.
“That activation of the ground floor will be great – we know our occupiers value the friendliness it brings to a building and we want their staff and clients to feel that as well as making the spaces more permeable.”
retain and reuse
In addition to the changes on the lower levels, the plans include an extra floor with a pavilion structure and terrace, capping off the existing tower.
Sarah said: “We’re also looking at making the building a really functional space with end-of-trip facilities such as showers and bike storage for commuters coming in.
One of the most important things is that we’re modernising the structure in a sustainable way, re-using 97% of the substructure and superstructure.”
The plans would see One Eden become fully electric, with 62,000 tonnes of existing concrete retained in the structure and 47% less carbon produced in construction when compared with a new-build.
The project is targeting BREEAM Outstanding certification and will include 25,575sq ft of internal balconies and terraces laced with greenery as well as 19,644sq ft of outdoor terrace space.
Overall, One Eden comprises 545,000sq ft of workspace.
future-proofing the project
Making a space for workers of the future is also an opportunity to keep an eye on the future.
Undertaking this project has meant Canary Wharf Group delving into its paper archives to understand the existing structure so, as part of the renewal, much better records of the scheme will be created to aid similar refits in the decades to come.
Sarah said: “While the existing materials we have are excellent, we’ve been taking this opportunity to implement a really structured system of building information management.
“Everything is now 3D-modelled and tracked so we know we have really accurate information about what’s been built so that if people want to change part of the structure they will have those details instead of having to undertake fresh investigations.
“One of the questions we ask ourselves on projects like this is how we make these buildings last longer.
“What we hope is that, by collecting this information comprehensively, it will make it easier to redesign and refit in future.”
Following the successful completion of a mammoth project to extend Excel London by 25%, the venue is enjoying something of a purple patch as it attracts new shows and ever-increasing numbers of visitors.
“Everything we do needs to be looked at through the lens of how we get to be the best event destination in the world,” said Jeremy Rees, who joined Excel in 2010 as sales director and took over as CEO in 2017.
“That comes from standards and values, but also from investment.
“It’s something we will strive to achieve every single time we improve something.
“For example: ‘Is our Wi-fi and 5G technology equal to what the best event destination in the world would offer?’.
“I would say today the answer is no, it needs to improve.
“We’ve assessed what it should be and have invested many millions of pounds, which means in a few months our new system will be up and running.
“When that happens, we will be the world’s most technologically-enabled event destination.
“We’re taking this approach across Excel.
“Our extension is world class and we’ve invested a lot in Immerse LDN, but we’ve also addressed a wide range of things in areas visitors don’t always see.
“We want to make it as easy as possible for our customers to have as good an experience as they can, so we’ve been improving the wider infrastructure behind the scenes and the visitor facilities to help achieve that.
“Every week we fixate on how we can make marginal changes to the inside and the outside of our buildings to make them as good as they can be.
“It’s also about being open to feedback and, in the events business, we’re lucky because we constantly get that from visitors and organisers.
“Then we have a framework in place for our teams to think about how we can respond to an issue and in what time scale.
“It might be something we need to plan ahead for, perhaps one, two or three years in the future, but what we have is a constant programme of change and development that asks how we can do things better.
“Expectations are constantly rising and we need to always be thinking about how we rise to meet them.”
Hyrox London has grown to see more than 40,000 competitors take part – image supplied by Excel London
shifting the dial
This process of consistent, iterative improvement – never standing still – is perhaps why the venue is busier than ever, recently attracting 250,000 visitors over just seven days from April 19-26, 2026.
Despite much of the capital slowed by a Tube strike, the east London venue hosted 10 events in the period, with the Elizabeth Line unaffected and playing a solid part in helping the exhibition centre record one of its busiest weeks since the 2012 Olympics.
Around 40,000 of those visitors travelled to Excel to collect their registrations for the 2026 London Marathon, with the venue noting that sport and fitness are playing an increasing role in its success.
“It’s an important part of what we do – it’s a sector that’s passion-led, tribal and one that reflects society,” said Jeremy.
“People are thinking more carefully about what they eat and how they look after their bodies and their minds.
“Two or three years ago brands like Hyrox were on their journey to growth.
“Now it’s gobsmackingly astonishing that last year more than 40,000 people took part in Hyrox London at Excel and this year more people will be doing it here than running the marathon.
“It’s a triumph, an event where people at any level can take part and compete for themselves while improving their fitness.”
Hyrox, which sees participants take on a succession of exercise challenges interspersed with 1k runs, held its first event at Excel in 2021 with 650 contestants.
Now hosting events across the globe, the brand has achieved enormous success and its 2026 edition – scheduled for December 5 and 6, 2026, in east London – will also feature Youngstars, its contest for those aged eight to 15.
Formula E returns to the venue this summer – image supplied by Excel London
a destination for competition
“That’s been one extreme, but sports and fitness in a broader sense have long been important for us,” said Jeremy.
“We’ve been hosting the London T100 Triathlon in various forms for 25 years and last year that saw around 6,000 athletes taking part and 25,000 fans attending the event.
“Formula-E has also been astonishing and will return this August.
“Technically it’s a great show and it’s been amazing to have cars break the indoor land speed record while racing through our building.”
On a wider point, Jeremy said it was Excel’s flexibility – the ability to become a race track while also having the likes of Gym Race, Turf Games, ATHX, Nike’s After Dark Tour and the London International Horse Show on its calendar – that was most attractive to organisers.
“This place is a global trade hub, a centre for ideas – somewhere people want to come to listen and learn,” he said. “Then they take those ideas away with them all around the world.
“I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how much of an impact our extension has had – building a space organisers were asking for has seen them vote with their feet in the corporate market it was designed to serve.
“Large-scale technology events that once booked one year in advance are now booking three or even five years ahead because they know that our space fulfils their requirements.
“They’ve seen the results and they know there’s going to be even greater demand for it in the future.
“There’s also a real benefit for shows when they become associated with a venue – events such as the World Travel Market, for example.
“For those top tier brands, Excel offers an established ecosystem and the Elizabeth Line enables visitors to access that.
“Take Canary Wharf, for example, which is now three minutes away and has such an amazing selection of bars, restaurants and facilities.
“It’s that quality that is helping us attract these events to London.”
Excel London hosts the London International Horse Show, which is set to return to the venue from December 7-21, 2026 – image supplied by Excel London
Growing up in Cumbria – three miles from the nearest village – Plant And Person founder, Will Daltrey, became accustomed to chatting with the neighbouring cows for company.
“If you stand at the gate of a massive field and wait about 10 minutes, you’ll find they all come over to you slowly,” he said.
“My dad left when I was quite young, although still lived nearby, but it was quite lonely, so I shared much of my upbringing with them.
“You can definitely sense what they’re thinking and I knew they were interested in me because they’d keep on coming over.”
Each is treated to Will’s gentle advice and guidance. Some tell tales, other ask earnest questions.
Patiently, he dispenses suggestions and answers.
Slowly it dawns on me that this steady flow of patrons serves very much the same purpose as his bovine mates of old – the warmth of community.
Having studied computer science at Newcastle University, an institution he and his friends described as “a place of drinking with a learning problem”, he became a teacher, relocating to London to train and then work.
He spent 15 years in the profession when the pandemic prompted a change.
“In some ways, lockdown was a good time because we were looking after the wellbeing of the children – teaching them values for life,” said Will.
“But then it felt like the plug was pulled and we were back teaching to the tests again.”
Will had grown up around his parents’ gardens and vegetable plots but had “never realised” he liked gardening until the pandemic provided an opportunity.
“I have a large balcony and, with that extra time, I started growing plants on it,” he said.
“I created a real jungle – tunnels, waterfalls and plants all along the railings and trained over the ceiling. There’s even a grape vine.
“I really enjoyed learning about the different species and looking after them, seeing the cause and effect of my actions and how they responded to it.
“I could spend hours just dead-heading – it was very mindful.
“What was in my head at the time was the idea that the plants were looking after my mental health.
“That’s really the idea behind the name Plant And Person.
“Initially the big idea for the business was about doing workshops to make terrariums – miniature gardens in glass containers.
“My wife also started selling them and found out there wasn’t much money to be made doing that.”
Plant And Person runs terrarium building workshops at Corner Corner in Canada Water – image by Plant And Person
helping others build tiny gardens
But the creativity persisted and Plant And Person has also branched out into retail with Will selling plants from a stall at Canada Water and at Wapping Docklands Market on Saturdays, just across the river.
“We’re currently running workshops at Corner Corner in Surrey Quays Shopping Centre in partnership with British Land,” he said.
“People come from all over London and they really get the wow factor when they arrive here.
“We set everything out on long tables. There’s a tutorial and everyone gets 90 minutes to build their terrarium.
“There’s loads of different materials to choose from, with different sizes and colours of stones.
“Then we have a variety of soils and mosses as well as trinkets.
“The price includes three plants, so I need 90 for a class, but I bring about 500 so everyone gets exactly what they want.
“That’s only workable because I can sell the ones that are left over on the stall.
“I never do a demo because then people would copy it, but you see everyone collecting what they want to use and taking inspiration from each other.
“They come up with some amazing ideas.
“I do miss being a teacher, so I really value the opportunity to get up in front of people and talk about something I’m interested in.
“Selling plants on the stall is really lovely when it’s the summer and the weather is good. It can be more of a slog in winter, of course.
“But you get to know all the people locally and that’s absolutely wonderful. I’ve been doing it for three years and I’ve made loads of friends.
“It’s also really lovely to be approached by strangers and then to see them come back over time.”
Will’s favourite plant is the Prayer Plant, Maranta Fascinator, available from Plant And Person for £7 – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
selling plants in east and south-east London
Will sources his plants from Holland, Belgium and the UK, offering a wide, ever-changing variety.
In addition to the succulents and small plants used in the terrariums, he sells much larger specimens.
On the day of our interview, the stall is a riot of early summer colour with pots of vibrant flowers and plants sporting exotic-looking foliage.
There are fuchsias, a relative of the jasmine and lavenders already starting to come out.
“My favourite is the maranta fascinator or prayer plant with its beautiful green and pink leaves,” he said.
“It’s really the species that got me into decorative foliage and house plants and it’s absolutely stunning.
“The most important thing for me though, is that the plants I sell work for the people I sell them to and fit what they’re looking for.
“If people are looking for something that’s easy to care for I’ll often recommend the snake plant – dracaena trifasciata – which is a really popular choice and very low maintenance.
“Another really good option is a zamioculcas or ZZ plant, which are really easy to care for because it’s happy in all sorts of conditions indoors.
“It can even go without water for a while.
“I’m always learning myself, but I love when people ask for advice or suggestions so I can help them find the plants that work for them.”
A low maintenance option, the Snake Plant, Sansevieria Trifasciata, available from Plant And Person for £12 – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life
key details: Plant And Person
Plant And Person’s next Terrarium Building Workshop is set to take place at Corner Corner on May 26 at 7pm.
You can find Will selling plants and dispensing advice at Deal Porter Square in Canada Water most weekdays and at Wapping Docklands Market on Saturdays.
A festival of health is set to nurture the minds and bodies of workers, residents and visitors to Canary Wharf.
Wharf Wellness returns to the estate in June with a packed programme designed to showcase the breadth and depth of what’s on offer locally.
Taking in sports, fitness, recovery, beauty and nutrition, the festival offers Wharfers the chance to engage with the likes of Third Space, Barry’s, Arc, Padium and many more.
Early booking is advised and, to help you plan your diaries, we’re listing the more than 20 events and pop-ups already announced in full.
Padium will be hosting both social and beginner events as part of Wharf Wellness – image supplied by Canary Wharf Group
the 2026 wharf wellness programme
Roof Garden Pilates – £25
THE ISLAND STUDIO, June 3, 8am, Crossrail Place Roof Garden
Join the Wood Wharf-based studio for a pop-up class in the leafy surroundings of the Crossrail station’s rooftop park for a chance to move, stretch and reset. Suitable for all levels.
Win A Mini Facial – Pop-Up
WEATHER + PALETTE, June 3-4, Canada Place
Visit this pop-up and play for a chance to win a range of prizes including a Mini Facial, 20% off facial treatments, samples and more from the Jubilee Place store.
Run Club – FREE
TRIBE LONDON CANARY WHARF, June 4, 11, 18, 25, 6pm, 15 Water Street
Taking place every Thursday in June during Wharf Wellness, Tribe London Canary Wharf will be hosting a free Run Club. The guided 5k leaves from the hotel’s main reception with finishers receiving a protein bar and vitamin drink to help them refuel. Places can be booked in person at the hotel or via DM on Instagram to @tribe_londoncanarywharf
After Dark – £20
ARC, June 5, 7pm, Crossrail Place
Promising a “more social, high-energy” way to experience contrast therapy through music, this session allows participants to move between the heat of the sauna and the chill of its cold plunges at their own rhythm in a community atmosphere.
Big Club Social – £20
PADIUM, June 6, 20, 9am, Bank Street Park
Meet other padel enthusiasts in a fun, social setting where players take on a series of 15-minute matches, moving up or down a court based on wins and losses. There are two dates to choose from over the month.
Reformer Taster Sessions – FREE
FREEDOM CLINICS, June 8-12, 9am, Canada Place
Treat yourself to a free Reformer Pilates class, open to all levels. Those booking should select One Pilates Class Pass and then enter code WHARFWELLNESS when reserving to reduce the cost to £0 for the 9am sessions. These will likely sell out fast.
Intro To Padel – £20
PADIUM, June 8, 22, 5pm, Bank Street Park
These early evening classes have been designed for first-timers with the aim of helping participants learn all the fundamental rules, techniques and strategies to allow them to play padel tennis. All equipment is provided.
Atis Moves Run Club – £6.50
ATIS, June 9, 6.15pm, Canada Place
Enjoy a 5k around Canary Wharf followed by a bowl from the salad chain. Runners should arrive in their kit with filled bottles ready for a 6.30pm start. Spaces are limited so book early.
Swing Social – FREE
PITCH WHARF, June 10, 6pm-9pm, 30 Churchill Place
Sip low and no alcohol drinks and indulge in a bit of active wellness at the golf simulator venue. Those attending can expect Nearest The Pin challenges, pro-led swing clinics and plenty of virtual holes. Admission is free, but online registration is required.
A Moment Of Hygge – FREE
SØSTRENE GRENE X OLE & STEEN, June 9, 10, 11, Jubilee Place
Søstrene Grene and Ole & Steen are set to collaborate on a series of bookable one-hour workshops where participants can create personalised memory jars, paint and decorate flower pots or design and embellish candles. Each session includes Danish refreshments and pastries.
In2Sports at Wood Wharf will be running Let’s Get Moving events – image supplied by Canary Wharf
scroll down for more Wharf Wellness highlights
Mat Pilates – £5
THIRD SPACE, June 10, 17, 24, 7.30am, Eden Dock
Join these intimate morning classes to explore the discipline in a slower format with a strong focus on proper alignment and posture. What a way to start the day. Book early.
Health Optimisation – Pop-Up
LE CHALET CRYO, June 10, 11, Canada Place
Find out about whole-body Cryotherapy and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and get the chance to win a free session.
Let’s Get Moving – FREE
IN2SPORTS, June 12, 19, noon-4.30pm, 40 Harbord Square
These community-focused events are aimed at promoting active and connected lifestyles with participants getting access to a range of sports during each session. Tickets need to be booked online.
First-Timer Class – FREE
BARRY’S, June 13, 3pm, Crossrail Place
Experience the delights and challenges of the red room with a session exclusively open to first-timers. Expect high-energy interval training making full use of the treadmills and gym equipment.
No experience is needed for this session, which will feature the brand’s signature combo of pumping beats, positive vibes and supportive coaching.
Outdoor Class – £15
BARRY’S, June 16, noon, Canada Square Park
Enjoy a special pop-up class in the sunshine with Barry’s trainers who promise to get you moving and sweating with a full body workout in the open air. Expect to burn up to 1,000 calories with plenty of upbeat encouragement.
Wellness Week – £10
SPACE NK, June 21-27, Cabot Place
Book a slot and pop into the beauty store for a 15-minute makeover. Refresh your look and get plenty of advice from the brand’s beauty advisors. The £10 is redeemable against purchases.
Wharf Wellness – Pop-Up
YUMMZY, June 25, Canada Place
Enjoy complimentary tastings and exclusive offers as the vegan, gluten-free, sugar-free eatery brings its products to the heart of the Wharf.
Contrast + Journalling – £20
ARC, June 28, Crossrail Place
With timings yet to be announced, this slower session features guided contrast therapy in the venue’s sauna and ice baths as well as breathwork and journalling to help participants reconnect with what they’re processing and what might need to shift. Bookings open May 28.
Friday Night Lights is set to team up with Third Space – image supplied by Canary Wharf Group
check out these Wharf Wellness highlights
Friday Night Lights x Third Space
FRIDAY NIGHT LATES + THIRD SPACE, June 24, from 6pm, Canada Square Park
Canada Square Park is set to be transformed into a space for outdoor fitness on June 24. From 6pm-9pm, Friday Night Lights and Third Space will be running a programme of classes aimed at everyone from seasoned gym-goers to complete beginners.
First up is Yoga at 6pm, with participants guided to move from one pose to another in tune with their breath. At 7pm it’s Pilates on the mat with trainers on hand to ensure proper posture and solid alignment.
Finally, at 8pm, it’s Bodyweight HIIT, featuring a mixture of plyometric, multidimensional, sport-based exercises to help develop stability, muscular endurance and overall fitness.
Each class costs £5 and bookings are open now. Friday Night Lights is also the organisation behind popular 5k event Run The Wharf, which returns to the estate in September.
Former Olympic swimmer Katy Sexton will be hosting two sessions at Sea Lanes Canary Wharf
Swim With An Olympian
SEA LANES CANARY WHARF, June 25, 5.30pm, 6.30pm, Eden Dock
Olympic swimmer and former world champion, Katy Sexton, will be on hand to deliver two guided open water coaching sessions at Sea Lanes Canary Wharf in Eden Dock on June 25.
Running at 5.30pm and 6.30pm, the sessions will see swimmers work on “pacing, positioning and efficiency in a relaxed, supportive environment” guided by lane coaches.
Designed for swimmers looking to build confidence and refine their technique in open water, the structured sessions are an opportunity to learn from one of the sport’s most accomplished swimmers. Tickets for the classes cost £15 and must be pre-booked online.
Sea Lanes Canary Wharf is a new floating lido, sauna and events complex that’s set to open in June in Eden Dock. Founder memberships are now available for £75 per month over a year. Individual swim sessions will cost £10.
