East London Archives

February 3, 2026February 3, 2026

UCL School Of Management expands Canary Wharf presence

The university is growing its east London presence with more space at One Canada Square and new student accommodation close to the estate

UCL School Of Management is expanding its presence on the top levels of One Canada Square - image supplied by UCL — UCL School Of Management is expanding its presence on the top levels of One Canada Square – image supplied by UCL

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

University College London’s School Of Management is a good example of one of the things people often get wrong about Canary Wharf.

While today financial services companies continue to play a major part in the life of the estate, its diversification that is driving it forward.

Alongside residential towers, space for construction firms, events companies and life sciences bodies, has been created.

Towers originally conceived to house trading floors have been retooled, done up and re-leased to all kinds of different organisations.

Even 10 years ago – when UCL’s school relocated to the 38th floor of One Canada Square, just one year after its creation – things were already changing.

The mixed development at Wood Wharf had won planning permission two years earlier and the estate was preparing to become a place to live as well as work and visit.

Having initially been attracted to the area’s status as a “major global business district”, UCL’s school has since grown into more space and developed its offering.

However, few – even today – might guess that the very highest floors of the Wharf’s landmark tower are occupied by academics and students rather than bankers.

The university announced earlier this month that, in addition to floors it already leases in One Canada Square – 38, 48, 49 and 50 – it would also be taking on 46 and 47 too, levelling up to a total of six.

UCL School Of Management's Professor Susan Smith - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — UCL School Of Management’s Professor Susan Smith – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

opening the spaces

“We’ll be opening up 48 this coming September and then the other two new floors the following year,” said Professor Susan Smith, a specialist in accountancy and deputy director for student experience at UCL School Of Management.

“Then we’ll have five floors all connected by a fantastic internal staircase.

“It’s really very exciting and we’re all going to get super fit.

“When we open level 47 we’ll also gain a terrace, which will act as one of our social spaces.”

When fully operational, the six floors together will accommodate the needs of some 4,000 students, all benefiting from the new facilities and spaces.

Susan said: “We’ll be adding a new Bloomberg room, extra classroom space and informal study facilities.

“We already have signs from the Tube to help people find their way here.

“We’ve worked with our architects and have managed to get what we want, in terms of additional teaching space, which is incredibly important for us.

“There will also be places for students to hang out between classes.

“That includes more fun additions like table tennis and a café so people can buy refreshments up here as well as using the kitchen facilities to make their own.

“Of course, there are many options downstairs in the malls too.”

The school's upper floors will all be connected by an internal staircase when work is completed - image supplied by UCL — The school’s upper floors will all be connected by an internal staircase when work is completed – image supplied by UCL

expanding opportunity

Susan said being a part of the wider estate was attractive to students, given its offering.

“Being in Canary Wharf offers a huge number of opportunities, both for us and our students,” she said.

“They are part of a thriving neighbourhood that provides everything they need.

“There are lots of things for them to do here – sports facilities and arts facilities, for example.

“A lot of our students also use our main campus in Bloomsbury too but, with the students’ union presence here and our expansion over the next few years, we’ll have a range of activities on-site, as any other campus would do.”

UCL is an increasingly potent presence in east London with two campuses in Stratford playing a major part in the East Bank cluster.

As well as benefiting from interplay with those, the School Of Management also stands to gain from the arrival of Urbanest, a complex of three towers built beside Trafalgar Way just off the Wharf’s eastern edge.

When they open later this year, the facility will be the largest student accommodation building in the capital with 1,672 student beds, 80 residential flats and a Drive-Thru McDonalds expected to open on its lower level in place of the restaurant that once occupied the site.

“This new accommodation means our students will be able to live and study in close proximity,” said Susan.

“As a university, we’ve consciously taken the decision to build around the locations we have in east London and, as we’re growing at Canary Wharf, it’s made sense to take more space in the tower too.”

The campus will be able to accommodate 4,000 students following the expansion - image supplied by UCL — The campus will be able to accommodate 4,000 students following the expansion – image supplied by UCL

shifting focus

The school offers a wide range of courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. In addition to degrees in such areas as Information Management In Business, Management Science and International Management, new undergrad courses for 2026 include Management For Social Change and Technology And Innovation.

“We have something to offer people whether they are starting out in their careers or looking to maybe shift the focus of what they’re doing,” said Susan.

“Typically, the latter might be looking at our MBA programmes or more specialist areas to take a different path.

“For example, we run a course in using data to improve leadership – our MSc in People Analytics And Human-Centric Management.

“We’re always horizon scanning – networking with the business community, other academics and thinkers in various fields – to ensure what we’re offering is relevant.

“One thing that remains constant is the foundational skill of adaptability – we want our students to be independent and critical thinkers, to be flexible, so they can thrive as the world changes.

“They will need to do that much more than we have had to as their careers will likely be very different from the ones we’ve experienced or can imagine.”

The new floors will offer students and staff more facilities including teaching spaces - image supplied by UCL — The new floors will offer students and staff more facilities including teaching spaces – image supplied by UCL

an attractive location for UCL

As one of the world’s top university’s, UCL attracts students from across the world.

“A large proportion of those studying with us in Canary Wharf are international and come from a diverse range of countries,” said Susan.

“I think they feel at home in the environment we’ve created here.

“We feel we provide an excellent student journey, but it’s not just about what happens in class.

“They have access to some amazing opportunities and a wonderful peer group, which will hopefully be with them for life.

“They also have the chance to work with businesses on the Wharf and we are engaged in projects with a number of local companies.

“We also run a summer school with Canary Wharf Group and I’m a trustee of the University Schools Trust which supports primary and secondary education in Tower Hamlets so we have links to the community here too.

“I’m most excited about the school having a critical mass here and becoming a fully fledged campus. It will be even more of a destination for staff and students.”

key details: UCL School Of Management

You can find out more about UCL School Of Management in Canary Wharf on the university’s website, which includes a full list of courses available.

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

February 3, 2026February 3, 2026

Sad Meli serves authentic flavours from Georgia in Royal Docks

Owner’s literal drive spans tourism in the country of his birth, wine with an 8,000-year lineage and now a restaurant and bar near Gallions Reach DLR

Sad Meli Georgian Gastronomy And Raw Wines is located in Royal Docks - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Sad Meli Georgian Gastronomy And Raw Wines is located in Royal Docks – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

Beka Kereselidze’s story is one of obsession and, literally, drive.

The Royal Docks resident, along with his wife, Tatia Bichashvili, opened Sad Meli Georgian Gastronomy And Raw Wines close to Gallions Reach DLR a little over a year ago and it’s been quite the journey.

Born in Tbilisi, Beka initially came to the UK to visit friends in 2007 and decided to stay.

“At 23, I saw opportunities here for work and I wanted some fun in my life, but I was also going back to Georgia quite often,” he said.

“My family has a summer place in a small village called Sadmeli in the Racha region – it’s where my grandfather used to make wine.

“Georgia is the homeland of wine – we’ve been making it for 8,000 years. Georgian culture and wine come together.

“We have it in our blood, with the forest and the vineyards. It’s normal to have a family tradition of making it and everyone compares theirs with everyone else’s.”

Beka Kereselidze of Sad Meli restaurant and Sadmeli winery - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Beka Kereselidze of Sad Meli restaurant and Sadmeli winery – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

dreaming big

While Beka’s father had continued to make some wine on the site for family consumption, his son had bigger dreams.

After getting married in 2016, as is customary, the couple made a wine together using the traditional qvevri – massive clay pots buried in the ground as vessels for fermentation and ageing.

Buoyed by its reception at a wine festival, Beka was further enthused and began studying production in earnest.

He spent a decade working as a long-distance lorry driver for Sainsbury’s in the UK, raising money to build the Sadmeli property in Georgia into a proper winery with a terrace restaurant and a guest-house.

“My parents thought I was crazy at first, but when you want something, you do it,” said Beka.

“I was taking online courses on natural wine making.

“On the road I would listen to lessons and other drivers would make fun of me for reading about wine all the time.

“But I was really interested – it was quite an obsession.

“While I was studying I was building a wine cellar and starting to make wine.

“By 2019 I was starting to import the wine to the UK, selling it in restaurants and now wine shops and, by 2022, we finished building Sadmeli, ready to welcome guests.”

The venue has an open kitchen and also serves coffee - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — The venue has an open kitchen and also serves coffee – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

building Sad Meli

Supported by his family and funded through long hours on the road and a loan from Lloyds bank, the business has since flourished.

However, having relocated to east London, Beka saw further opportunity.

“I’d noticed these mostly empty units close to where I lived, found out who owned them and made the offer,” he said.

“At first, they said no, but then they agreed. I was happy, but also a little bit scared because I didn’t have the money at that time.”

With cash from the Sadmeli operation, more support from Lloyds, contributions from family and help from friends, he overcame that hurdle and began fitting out what was initially supposed to be a wine shop and subsequently morphed into a restaurant and bar.

“Somehow we did it,” said Beka. “We opened on October 11, 2024 – a Friday and my god it was scary.

“I wasn’t really ready but we’d announced it and then we got a booking.

“A few minutes later we got another one. I don’t think I slept for the three or four days beforehand.

“Then, from that day, I haven’t had a day off. But people really like it.

“They enjoy the wine and we’ve made lots of friends. It’s very rewarding.”

Khinkali dumplings at Sad Meli - image by Sad Meli — Khinkali dumplings at Sad Meli – image by Sad Meli

Sad Meli in Royal Docks

Sad Meli Georgian Gastronomy And Raw Wines serves up a selection of traditional dishes from Georgia such as Pkhali, Adjaruli Khachapuri, Kharcho soup alongside sides and imported soft drinks.

Providing the backbone of the menu, however, are Khinkali dumplings, filled with meat, cheese or mushrooms.

Beka said: “I’m cooking and I have all my mum’s recipes. It’s what we wanted for this place, that the experience comes directly from Georgia.

“There’s a large eastern European community here and they like Georgian food and wine.

“I try to make everything fresh, which takes time, but we have an open kitchen and people see me cooking and they love this kind of process.

“Guests might have to wait sometimes, but then they drink more wine, which is good for business.

“Our biggest seller is the Khinkali dumplings – they will always be on the menu – but other things I like to change to keep it fresh.

“We are very proud that we have customers who have never tried Georgian food before.

“It’s not just a restaurant, but it’s the country and culture and the wine as well.

“They’re happy because they’ve tried something new.”

The restaurant and bar offers a wide selection of wines to go with its food - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — The restaurant and bar offers a wide selection of wines to go with its food – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

stocking the bottles

Having studied wine extensively at leading global centre of excellence, the Wine And Spirit Education Trust in Southwark, Beka is delighted to curate a wide range of bottles alongside the wines he’s produced at Sadmeli.

“We make six or seven types of wine ourselves including our signature Saparevi, a full-bodied red made with the most common grape in Georgia,” he said.

“It’s been popular and this year’s has now sold out.

“All the work at the winery is done by hand because my father isn’t used to mechanical processes and we don’t use chemicals on the vines or in production.

“The vineyards we get our grapes from are small. We make good quality wine in small quantities.

“We don’t add sulphites, for example, and we don’t add yeast through the fermentation.

“Since we opened Sad Meli in Royal Docks, once I’ve poured my wine for them, no-one asks for anything else or says they don’t like it.

“That’s a source of pride for me. People love it and it feels almost unreal.

“Sometimes I’m tired, but its that feedback from the customers that gives us the motivation to continue.

“Mine and my wife’s lives have completely changed.

“We had an aim together and we’ve achieved it.

“For me, I wanted to do something here instead of driving and now I do.”

Sadmeli Saparevi, Beka's signature wine - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Sadmeli Saparevi, Beka’s signature wine – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

key details: Sad Meli Georgian Gastronomy And Raw Wines

Sad Meli Georgian Gastronomy And Raw Wines is located on the eastern edge of Gallions Roundabout, south of the junction with Atlantis Avenue.

It’s within easy walking distance of Gallions Reach DLR station and is open daily from noon.

You can find out more about the venue here

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

February 2, 2026February 2, 2026

Vertus’ 50-60 Charter Street offers next level living in Canary Wharf

Twin towers benefit from a full complement of amenities as built-to-rent operation learns and grows on the east London estate

50-60 Charter Street by Vertus, a pair of towers housing rental apartments at Wood Wharf - image supplied by Vertus — 50-60 Charter Street by Vertus, a pair of towers housing rental apartments at Wood Wharf – image supplied by Vertus

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

Launched towards the end of last year, Vertus’ latest build-to-rent apartments in Canary Wharf may best be described as next-level.

The twin towers of 50-60 Charter Street are connected by communal spaces at their base, rising high on Wood Wharf to overlook South Dock and house some 756 apartments ranging in size from 463sq ft to 1,397sq ft.

Perhaps what really sets Grid architects’ structure apart from the rest of the now extensive Vertus portfolio – which includes nearby aparthotel Vertus Edit for shorter stays – however, is the 14,000sq ft of communal space.

The main lobby space at 50-60 Charter Street - image supplied by Vertus — The main lobby space at 50-60 Charter Street – image supplied by Vertus

Arranged over two lower floors, this includes informal co-working spaces, an evening lounge, a games room with arcade machines, shuffleboard and pool and a snug with one of the largest flatscreen TVs I’ve ever seen, allowing it to double as a screening room.

For fitness there’s a studio space kitted out with Reformer Pilates machines, a chunky free weights room and a large gymnasium with luxury health club-grade cardio and resistance machines.

Workers can also make use of a string of private pods to minimise distractions or book characterful meeting rooms.

Then, for relaxation, there are flexible, purpose-built dining rooms for social gatherings or larger parties.

That’s before you even mention the ground floor lobby, which boasts a grand piano, an honesty market and a bold feature staircase to take residents up to the main communal areas.

Vertus residential building manager, Sam Pickering - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Vertus residential building manager, Sam Pickering – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

smooth operation at 50-60 Charter Street

The person in charge of ensuring all of this operates smoothly is Vertus residential building manager Sam Pickering.

Born to Kiwi parents in the UK, he grew up in New Zealand, moving to Britain in 2015 “for a year”. His career has taken him through hospitality into looking after student accommodation before moving into build-to-rent and joining Vertus in 2024, initially to manage its 8 Water Street building.

“I remember at my interview saying that one of my goals was to manager a flagship site, although I didn’t expect it to be within a year,” said Sam, who is meticulous in his attention to detail, admitting he can’t resist rearranging coasters in the communal areas by colour when they’ve become disordered.

“We’ve got fantastic spaces – they’ve been very well thought out. Vertus has taken all the best parts from the other buildings they’ve opened.

“You enter via a very large reception foyer. It’s incredibly grand, with amazing gardens, high ceilings and open spaces.

Apartments range in size from studios to three-beds - image supplied by Vertus — Apartments range in size from studios to three-beds – image supplied by Vertus

“One of the benefits here is that our concierge team, who do a fantastic job, are truly here 24-hours.

“The residents build very strong relationships with them and it’s something that really sets us apart.

“With the design and facilities of 50-60 Charter Street, a lot of consideration has been put into what people want.

“The whole building has been designed around that.

“The dining rooms are flexible, for example – two of them can be separated or combined into one.

“Vertus offers very high-end living and with lots of services.

“Residents can bring their dry-cleaning down, and we can have that delivered and then brought back, for instance.

“We’re here to provide those experiences – we want the whole building to feel like a home.

“There are all these reasons to come down from your apartment and enjoy the other spaces, even if it’s just to get a coffee.

“That’s been very popular – we’re always having to top up the mugs.”

The evening lounge at the scheme can be divided into semi-private areas if desired - image supplied by Vertus — The evening lounge at the scheme can be divided into semi-private areas if desired – image supplied by Vertus

creating a community

Since the first residents moved into 10 George Street in 2020, not far from its latest building, Vertus has made a point of putting in place the architecture to bring residents together.

Its events team, Dor Rugira and Brogan Murray, hosted 197 gatherings in 2025 with an attendance rate of 81% across the Canary Wharf Group subsidiary’s buildings.

Sam said: “There is a real community on the estate.

“These events operate across the portfolio which is brilliant because it allows people who are living in such close proximity to meet each other and build friendships.

“That’s been really lovely for the staff to see.”

The Snug or screening room - image supplied by Vertus — The Snug or screening room – image supplied by Vertus

built for service

Sam’s role is to ensure the areas he looks after run smoothly, allowing the wider team to deliver the service that residents expect.

“On a day-to-day basis, it’s about the safety of the building – making sure the residents are taken care of, making sure all the safety checks for fire and water are done, that the place is safe to live in and that everyone is comfortable and their needs are met,” he said.

“We are very fortunate to have a very diverse team here.

“We’ve got the buildings managers and the property managers who deal directly with the apartments.

“Any initial concerns will go through them, and if there’s anything wrong, it will come to me.

“The concierge team do a fantastic job, liaising with the residents to make sure of that.

The Games Room at 50-60 Charter Street - image supplied by Vertus — The Games Room at 50-60 Charter Street – image supplied by Vertus

“The people who live here are an eclectic mix.

“We have students, lots of couples – many who are young professionals.

“We have groups of friends sharing, which is quite common in our two-beds and three-beds.

“It’s been very popular since launch and that’s because Canary Wharf is a developing area.

“Even if you’re not working on the estate, you’ve got the Elizabeth Line, the Tube and the DLR so you’re very well positioned to get around London quickly.

“Now we have residents living here, it really feels good to see the spaces being used.

“Managing it is a really lovely job to have and I’m really excited as we expect the numbers to grow over this year.

“For me, it’s been a tremendous opportunity and Vertus has been spectacular.

“It’s been such a place to learn and grow and develop, and I’m so grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had.

“Personally, I’m really looking forward to seeing how people take to the facilities we have here and to see them enjoying themselves.”

50-60 Charter Street boasts three fitness studios including one featuring cardio and weights machines - image supplied by Vertus — 50-60 Charter Street boasts three fitness studios including one featuring cardio and weights machines – image supplied by Vertus

key details: 50-60 Charter Street

Homes in the first phase of 50-60 Charter Street are available now, with more properties set for release in July.

Prices start at £2,600 per month for a studio, £3,000 for a one-bed, £4,100 for a two-bed and £5,200 for a three-bed. Properties come fully furnished.

You can find out more about Vertus’ homes here

A studio apartment at 50-60 Charter Street - image supplied by Vertus — A studio apartment at 50-60 Charter Street – image supplied by Vertus

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

February 2, 2026February 2, 2026

Hill and Peabody unveil Penfold artwork at Dagenham Green

Artist’s installation celebrates east London site’s manufacturing history with brightly painted Ford Cortina as regeneration continues to progress

Dagenham Green has unveiled a brightly coloured Cortina, marking the site's former incarnation as part of Ford's enormous east London plant - image supplied by The Hill Group — Dagenham Green has unveiled a brightly coloured Cortina, marking the site’s former incarnation as part of Ford’s enormous east London plant – image supplied by The Hill Group

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

Andy Hill is clear.

The group chief executive says the family-owned developer he founded is in the business of building communities, “not just homes” but places local people can live, work and engage with, which honour the history of the sites.

I have a personal connection myself.

My parents had Ford cars when I was growing up. Escorts, Fiestas (always red), a Focus, a Mondeo and even a Ka – the latter being the car I drove after passing my test.

Many, though not all, will have been built at or used parts from the company’s vast plant in Dagenham.

As I drive to The Hill Group’s Dagenham Green scheme, I’m in my late mother’s 2013 red Ford Fiesta – a descendant of the final passenger car to roll off the company’s east London production line.

Incidentally, it dates from the same year Ford ended all production in the UK.

But, while the assembly lines fell quiet, the physical and mental connections to a plant that produced nearly 11million vehicles between 1931 and 2002 are still very much alive.

As I park up at Hill’s site, I reflect that on it once stood buildings where hands made parts for vehicles I rode in as a child – an experience shared by millions across the country.

Artist Tim Gresham, known as Penfold - image supplied by The Hill Group — Artist Tim Gresham, known as Penfold – image supplied by The Hill Group

marked with art

Apt then that joint venture partners The Hill Group and housing association Peabody have chosen to celebrate that legacy by displaying a new automotive artwork beside the marketing suite for the 3,500-home Dagenham Green scheme.

Artist Tim Gresham, known as Penfold, was commissioned to create a visually striking piece and – working in partnership with specialist garage Type 2 Detectives – has repainted a 1966 Mk1 Ford Cortina.

One of around 3million built between the 1960s and 1980s at the site, the vehicle was officially unveiled atop a shipping container on January 22 and will remain in place for three months before transferring to Silverstone ahead of the British Grand Prix.

As well as the impact of the company’s products, there are the generations of people who worked in Ford’s factories – including Andy’s dad, who he said was once employed and then fired by the firm.

Connecting the site’s social history to the present at the launch was Tracy Goodman and her family.

Her mother, the late Dora Challingsworth, led the 1984 strikes at Ford’s plant as a shop steward, eventually winning female employees recognition as skilled workers and making good on industrial action in the late 1960s that paved the way for the Equal Pay Act in 1970.

The Hill Group's group chief executive, Andy Hill, presents Dora Challingsworth's grandson with a miniature replica of Penfold's Ford Cortina - image supplied by The Hill Group — The Hill Group’s group chief executive, Andy Hill, presents Dora Challingsworth’s grandson with a miniature replica of Penfold’s Ford Cortina – image supplied by The Hill Group

a connection to history at Dagenham Green

Tracy, whose grandson was gifted a miniature replica of Penfold’s artwork at the event, said: “It meant a great deal to attend with my family and share the story of courage and sacrifice shown by the women at Ford’s pressing plant in Dagenham.

“I hope our words resonated and that Dagenham Green will continues to honour and keep alive the memory of this important moment.”

Andy added: “The pressing plant that once stood on this site holds a long and influential place in the local community’s history, with its legacy deeply intertwined with the lives of future generations who will call this neighbourhood home.

“I would particularly like to thank Dora’s family for joining us and Penfold for his extraordinary creativity in reinvigorating the exterior of this old Ford Cortina on the site where it was originally made in the 1960s.

“We hope the artwork brings joy and inspiration to everyone who passes.”

Penfold is known for working across a variety of media from a studio in his native Bristol.

His pieces are often colourful and abstract and his work includes several large scale installations and murals.

The artwork is unveiled by Andy, Peabody's Angela Wood and Tracy Goodman - image supplied by The Hill Group — The artwork is unveiled by Andy, Peabody’s Angela Wood and Tracy Goodman – image supplied by The Hill Group

past, present and future

Peabody’s deputy executive director of development, Angela Wood, said: “Dagenham Green carries a deep and proud history, shaped by the people who worked here.

“They stood up for change and built a strong community around the site.

“This artwork is a celebration of that shared story and a reminder that the past still has a place in the neighbourhood we’re creating today.

“Art can stop people in their tracks, spark conversations and help places feel human and lived in.

“This piece helps connect new and existing residents to the character, identity and spirit of Dagenham as it continues to grow.”

An artist's impression showing part of the Dagenham Green development - image supplied by The Hill Group — An artist’s impression showing part of the Dagenham Green development – image supplied by The Hill Group

living locally

One, two and three-bedroom homes are currently available at Dagenham Green for private sale through The Hill Group, with prices starting at £300,000. The scheme is served by nearby Dagenham Dock station.

Shared ownership apartments, ranging in size from one to three bedrooms, are available through Peabody with prices starting at £81,000 for a 30% share of a one-bed based on a full market value of £270,000.

key details: Dagenham Green

Penfold’s artwork is currently on show at Dagenham Green near the junction of New Road and Kent Avenue and is free to visit.

You can find out more about the development and the homes on offer there on its website.

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

January 17, 2026January 16, 2026

Sea Lanes Canary Wharf plans approved for early summer opening

Eden Dock is set to get a floating swimming pool for summer 2026 as proposals for swimming, changing and amenities on land get the green light

An artist's impression of how Sea Lanes Canary Wharf will look when opened - image supplied by Canary Wharf Group — An artist’s impression of how Sea Lanes Canary Wharf will look when opened – image supplied by Canary Wharf Group

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

The use of land to deliver amenities while development plans are being worked up has become a key feature of the east London property scene in recent years.

Royal Docks boasts a former brewery that’s become home to small creative businesses and Stratford has a strip of land with an al fresco sauna.

Canary Wharf already features an expansive Padel Tennis club in the shape of Padium on a site awaiting a tall office block.

Often, and certainly in these cases, such projects significantly enrich the areas they operate in for residents and visitors alike.

So, news that the plans for a floating swimming pool in Canary Wharf’s Eden Dock alongside a “health and wellbeing destination” on the land beside it have been approved, provides a tantalising glimpse into the future.

Targeting an early summer launch, Sea Lanes Canary Wharf is set to deliver a 50m, six-lane swimming pool, two electric saunas powered by renewable energy, changing facilities, a community clubhouse for events, food and beverage offerings and a store offering wetsuit hire and storage services.

Operated by the team behind Sea Lanes Brighton, the facilities will be open 364 days a year with both pay-per-swim and membership options available.

Designed to act as a stepping stone between pool swimming and open water, the 1.3m-deep lido will be suitable for all ages and abilities with life guards on hand to keep swimmers safe.

Director at Sea Lanes Brighton, Joe McNulty, is no stranger to the property market. Having grown up in Archway, he moved to the seaside town aged 19 to attend university and ended up staying, evolving his passion for exercise in the pool into a love of sea swimming.

As director of Copsemill Properties, he’s spent more than three-and-a-half decades buying spaces locally and turning them into offices and residential homes or refurbishing existing schemes.

The floating swimming pool will be fed with water by the dock - image supplied by Canary Wharf Group — The floating swimming pool will be fed with water by the dock – image supplied by Canary Wharf Group

the genesis of Sea Lanes

“As a swimmer, one of the problems with Brighton was that there were no facilities for sea swimming – showers, changing rooms and so on – or anywhere to dry off, change or even to have a coffee after a dip,” said Joe.

“I found a site that had an old funfair on it and Brighton Council was asking people what should be done with it.

“Originally the plan was to have a sea swimming club with a clubhouse and a coffee shop. Somewhere to hang out with an annual membership.

“Then I got involved with one of the partners and a swimming coach, and they suggested a small training pool to teach people how to swim properly.

“That evolved from a one lane, 12m facility to a 50m heated, chlorinated pool on the beach.

“Alongside we built studios, a bar and a restaurant with a whole community of businesses now calling it home.

“Sea Lanes Brighton became a whole commercial development, much larger that I’d originally envisaged.

“It’s also been a big success since it opened in 2023 and we started to think about doing the same kind of thing elsewhere.

“We had a connection at Canary Wharf and went to talk to them to see if we could work together.

“The site beside Eden Dock is awaiting development, but the agreement is we’ll have it for five years initially.

“We’ll have the same size pool as Brighton but this one will be floating on the dock, tethered to the quayside and the bottom with a solid floor and mesh walls.

“While Brighton is chlorinated and heated, Canary Wharf will be unheated with water from the dock moving in and out through the mesh.

“It’s designed in part as a training facility for people who want to get into open water swimming.

“It’s shallow enough for people to stand up in so people can get their confidence up before progressing into the open water of Eden Dock for a session overseen by lifeguards in kayaks, for example.

“From there people can go on to explore lakes, rivers and even seas around the world.”

The site at the end of Eden Dock that Sea Lanes Canary Wharf will be built on - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — The site at the end of Eden Dock that Sea Lanes Canary Wharf will be built on – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

beyond a dip

As well as the swimming facilities, Sea Lanes will create a selection of amenities overlooking the pool as part of the project.

“The saunas will take about 15 people each and there will be a cold water plunge in the dock,” said Joe.

“There will also be hot showers and changing rooms as well as a space with a programme of events that will also be available for hire.

“While Sea Lanes Canary Wharf will be primarily an outdoor venue with a food and drink offering that’s similar to Brighton, there will be a series of igloo-style enclosures for people to escape the weather if necessary.

“We’re also looking into having an outdoor gym.

“I think people will find it really exciting to swim in the pool, looking up to see themselves surrounded by all of these buildings.

“There’s nothing else really like it in London and, if it works, we’d love to stay in Canary Wharf beyond the five years, perhaps looking at another site.

“We’ll also be looking at other sites in the capital.”

Shobi Khan, CEO at Canary Wharf Group, said, “Almost one year on from the opening of Eden Dock, we’re making another bold step forward in the enhancement of our green and blue spaces at Canary Wharf.

“Sea Lanes Canary Wharf will build on the success of Eden Dock as a unique wellness destination, where access to nature, leisure and world-class amenities are seamlessly integrated.”

Construction on the project is set to begin early this year.

key details: Sea Lanes Canary Wharf

Sea Lanes Canary Wharf is set to open in early summer 2026, although no launch date or pricing has yet been released.

Find out more about the proposals here

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

January 16, 2026January 16, 2026

Creative Virtual on why the firm believes human-curated AI is better

Founder and CEO of the Canary Wharf-based business, Chris Ezekiel, explains how his firm’s approach is proving attractive to larger organisations

Creative Virtual founder and CEO, Chris Ezekiel – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

It feels like a big year for Chris Ezekiel.

Not only is he gearing up to become a father for the third time – a sibling is on the way for sons Matthew and Harry – but Creative Virtual, the company he founded on the Isle Of Dogs 22 years ago, recently went live with a hybrid human and AI system to help Australia’s largest mobile network better deal with its customers.

“We think it’s a world first,” said Chris, who still lives locally despite running the global business as its CEO.

“Our project with Telstra sees a large enterprise using conversational AI and chatbot technology in a public-facing way – a hybrid approach with all the appropriate guardrails in place.

“There are other companies doing this with AI, but only on a small scale.

“We spent the best part of 2025 building the system and linking it in to all their operations.

“It’s all about knowing when to give a generative answer, something more structured or a combination of the two.

“Our system also does things like summarising, classifying and making all these decisions in real time.

“I’m very proud that we’ve displaced two of the world’s largest companies in this field – IBM and Salesforce – to deliver this solution.

“As soon as Telstra switched it on they doubled their containment rate, which means twice as many interactions have been automated rather than going through to a human in their contact centre.

“Now we have a road map to do much more over the course of the next 12 months.

“Our system is going to be the central point of communication for all their interactions with existing clients and potential customers – all with a clear escalation path for more complex queries or situations.

“There’s always going to be a need for that.”

beyond ChatGPT

Chris said that, while the arrival of ChatGPT in 2022 and the subsequent proliferation of large language models that generate responses had been significant for the sector that Creative Virtual operates in, many firms had done little in the way of implementing the technology.

“People have this perception that computers have to be 100% accurate, or the job they do is not acceptable,” he said.

“If a human makes a mistake, it often doesn’t get the same level of attention as a machine failing or given an answer that’s wrong.

“As a result, many larger organisations were paralysed when it came to putting new systems in place.

“During this time, we stuck to our guns and did what we’ve always done – tune into what organisations really want.

“That’s what’s brought us success. We’ve kept humans in the system to curate answers, working alongside generative AI and other technologies, meaning we can combine their talents when communicating with customers – something that’s reassuring to large organisations such as banks or telecommunications firms.

“With these clients there’s a large number of processes that their customers need to go through – billing enquiries or applications for accounts and credit cards, for example.

“These need high levels of curation and can’t be left to AI.

“That’s why clients like our approach. They can have very tightly controlled parts of the process alongside the simpler enquiries that can be dealt with by AI.

“Our tagline remains completely relevant today – we’re about the science of conversation and finding the best ways to automate those interactions whether that’s via chatbots, texts, WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger.

“We’re still doing that, but using the latest techniques.

“Our project with Telstra – all that hard work – has resulted in a big global showcase for Creative Virtual.

“We have built some bespoke systems for the client, but many of our standard techniques are ready to scale for other organisations.

“One of the most important elements is the expertise to understand what this technology can and can’t do – what you can measure and how to set an organisation’s expectations.

“Having this blueprint as we go into 2026 is absolutely key for our business.”

designed to be flexible

Creative Virtual has built its approach to conversational interaction around the idea that it can rapidly and easily switch out AI systems to benefit its clients as the technology develops.

However, Chris believes that while the sector is showing advancement in several areas, it is important to recognise its limitations.

“There are some very clever people in the industry who claim that we’ll have artificial general intelligence very soon, that computers might even become sentient,” he said.

“But we don’t even understand human intelligence at this point.

“You have to take a step back and recognise all these new systems such as large language models are still based on silicon chips – ones and zeros – backed by incredible processing power, but a model that hasn’t changed since the invention of the computer.

“With quantum computing, biological systems or a combination of the two, it may be possible for AI to do a great deal more, but will it become self aware, will it be able to feel things?

“I think its impossible to say that our existing computer models will take over the world.

“I’m not arguing that we haven’t seen advances in systems that can predict the next word or phrase or that these engines can’t simulate intelligence or awareness.

“But that to have emotions the computers that run them will need more than ones and zeroes.

“I’m sceptical that artificial general intelligence is just around the corner, even if discussing it makes for a good story in the media.”

doing more and more jobs

One thing Chris is certain of is that AI technologies will be increasingly used to automate large parts of our lives.

“AI will do many of the jobs humans do today and robotics will come increasingly into play, such as self-driving cars,” he said.

“It is going to be an exciting area and AI is already being used to help doctors with diagnostics and to process large volumes of data in many different fields.

“That’s how we use the technology, for customer services, training virtual sales people and bringing our systems into the retail experience.

“There will be robots in stores capable of retaining far more information about products on sale than a human ever could, for example.”

That’s not to say AI is perfect or that the large companies involved in developing new models aren’t overly optimistic about the value of their creation.

“With all the billions being invested, there is, perhaps, a bubble – but AI is not going to go away as a tool, just as the end of the dot com boom wasn’t the end of the internet,” said Chris.

“This technology is very much with us and it will be used to automate many things that are not automated at the moment.

“Overall, I think it will enhance our lives and it will encourage us to be more creative as people.

“Who wants to sit in a contact centre answering the same mundane questions day-in, day-out? We have to evolve our technology so the workforce can do more involving things.

“One of the key issues for firms is that, with so much AI generated content, everything will start to feel very similar.

“That’s why I think our current approach is the correct one.

“Having humans work alongside AI has always felt to me like the perfect combination.

“We need human curation so that organisations are able to retain their voice and project their brand whether it’s an AI or a person talking to their customers.

“That’s one of the attributes of our project with Telstra. Its strength has been in the testing we’ve put the systems through against real-life conversations – a way for our client to see our systems work and that gives them confidence.

“We launched with them during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday periods and it was the best possible time to stress-test what we’d put in place.

“Organisations change their content all the time, so our system had to know Telstra’s products, offerings and sales information and deliver that to customers without error.

“It hasn’t been easy to achieve that, but the feedback from them is that this is the first product they’ve had in years that has been on time, on budget and on spec, which is pretty incredible.

“It’s already delivering real business results.”

key details: Creative Virtual

Creative Virtual is based in Canary Wharf’s Cabot Square and operates globally.

Find out more about its services here

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

January 16, 2026January 16, 2026

Pink Pilates begins 2026 at Royal Wharf with 20% discount

Women-only fitness studio in Royal Docks offers Reformer Pilates classes for adults and teenagers as well as private sessions, massage and more…

Pink Pilates is offering a 20% discount to celebrate the start of the year - image supplied by Pink Pilates — Pink Pilates is offering a 20% discount to celebrate the start of the year – image supplied by Pink Pilates

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

— Use code WHARF20 when booking for this offer —

In celebration of the New Year and the launch of business, a women-only Reformer Pilates studio in Royal Docks is offering readers a 20% discount on their next session in 2026.

Pink Pilates opened its doors at Royal Wharf in October, promising “a fresh and uplifting approach to movement and wellbeing” for its clients.

tell me more

Located in Royal Crest Avenue at the east London development, the studio has been designed to support both the physical and mental health of those coming through its doors.

Pink Pilates offers a wide range of classes designed to suit different needs and life stages, suitable for women of all ages and abilities.

It also offers one-on-one sessions tailored to individual goals and private group sessions for up to eight people, as well restorative massage aimed at releasing tension, soothing tired muscles and calming the mind.

why Pilates?

The studio says the system of movement is “widely recognised for its ability to improve core strength, posture, flexibility, balance, and mobility, while also offering powerful mental wellbeing benefits”.

It adds that: “Pilates practice can help reduce stress, improve mood, support recovery from injury and enhance overall quality of life.”

Pink Pilates’ focuses on wellness rather than perfection, based on a belief that movement should feel empowering rather than pressurised.

To that end, its classes are designed to help women “feel strong, confident, and energised, both physically and mentally, without unrealistic expectations or one size fits all approaches”.

The women-only studio offers a range of classes as well as private sessions - image supplied by Pink Pilates — The women-only studio offers a range of classes as well as private sessions – image supplied by Pink Pilates

why Pink?

The studio has embraced the colour throughout its workout spaces and branding, aiming to create a feminine, fun environment that provides an uplifting, inspiring atmosphere.

Intentionally different from more traditional fitness environments, Pink Pilates wants to offer women a joyful setting where they can feel “comfortable, confident and at ease”.

what’s on offer?

Classes include sessions for beginners, lymphatic core, rehabilitation, prenatal and mummy. There are also programmes for teenagers and slower-paced yin-inspired sessions.

The studio says: “Reformer Pilates is particularly beneficial for those recovering from injury or managing ongoing physical concerns, as exercises can be adapted and supported using spring-based resistance.

“Sessions are led by expert instructors who prioritise safe technique, individual support, and inclusive teaching.”

anything else?

Pink Pilates is also available for private hire whether for corporate wellbeing sessions, team bonding experiences or bespoke celebrations such as birthdays or special occasions. Full details are available online.

how do I get to Pink Pilates?

The studio is located within easy walking distance of Pontoon Dock DLR station and close to bus stops on North Woolwich Road.

Royal Wharf can also be accessed via Uber Boat By Thames Clippers river bus services using the development’s dedicated pier.

Pink Pilates' studio is located at Royal Wharf in Royal Docks - image supplied by Pink Pilates — Pink Pilates’ studio is located at Royal Wharf in Royal Docks – image supplied by Pink Pilates

what do classes normally cost

There are a variety of ways to access classes at Pink Pilates. One-off group sessions cost £26 with discounted packs of classes also available. The studio also offers monthly memberships starting at £90 for four classes.

Private sessions for one or two people start at £90, while classes for teenage girls aged 13-17 start at £20.

how do I access the discount?

New or existing customers should use code WHARF20 when booking to get 20% off their next session in 2026 at Pink Pilates.

The code can be used by new or existing clients at the studio and the offer applies to all reformer classes, class packs, private one-to-one sessions and massage treatments.

Check with the studio for full details.

key details: Pink Pilates

Pink Pilates – @pinkpilatesx on Insta and @officialpinkpilatesx on TikTok – is located in Royal Crest Avenue at Royal Wharf, E16.

Classes can be booked online here

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

January 16, 2026January 16, 2026

Winter Lights returns in 2026, celebrating 10 years in Canary Wharf

Blockbuster annual art festival is set to welcome 16 installations from January 20-31, with many thousands of visitors expected to visit the estate

Visitors can find Trispheric Garden by Reelize Studio in Cabot Square - image supplied by Canary Wharf Group — Visitors can find *Trispheric Garden* by Reelize Studio in Cabot Square – image supplied by Canary Wharf Group

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

The biggest cultural event in Canary Wharf is set for an extra special return this month. Winter Lights 2026 will be the 10th time the estate has been filled with illuminated artworks and the latest festival features a bumper crop in celebration.

Running every day from January 20-31, with pieces switched on from 5pm-10pm, the latest Winter Lights extends across the whole of Canary Wharf, with highlights from Westferry Circus to Wood Wharf.

Attracting many thousands of people each year, the free festival is an enormous team effort, spearheaded by Canary Wharf Group’s Arts And Events team.

“Selecting which works to display is a tough process,” said Lowri Harries, associate curator of public art at CWG, who has chosen this year’s installations alongside Arts And Events manager Camilla McGregor.

“In response to our open call we had the most submissions we’ve ever received – 225.

“It probably takes about 10 hours to go through them because we want to make sure we’ve really considered the relevant ones in detail.”

Camilla added: “Not all festivals operate this way, but I think it’s very democratic because we really are open to all artists.

“At each festival, the majority of the pieces on show come from our open call.

“Each time we do it, we’ll know some of the artists but many will be new to us.”

Canary Wharf Group's Lowri Harries - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Canary Wharf Group’s Lowri Harries – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

a theme to mark a decade

Winter Lights 2026 has been shaped with a theme, aimed at inspiring creatives to respond with work.

Lowri said: “I’m really excited about this year’s because there are a few ways we’ve given it a different identity.

“The festival is already well established in London – lots of people know about it – but we’ve tried to give it a bit extra.

“The theme is Dreamscape, which we feel is open-ended enough to allow lots of different submissons but brings to mind the idea of dreams and landscapes.

“Our space is unique with the architecture familiar to so many people and it’s meant to spark imagination and curiosity.

“We’ve commissioned artist Anna Lomax to create an exhibition poster for us with a limited run, which will be on sale at Circle Collective in Jubilee Place during the event.

“We’ll stock about 500 of the prints, which people can buy during the festival and visitors can also get a printed brochure too.

“Anna has also created three installations for us, which will be in the malls, so we’re back inside for the first time in a while.”

Camilla added: “With the theme, we wanted something that would appeal to everyone.

“It’s evocative of a childlike interest in the world and artists were free to approach that in any way they liked.

“The intention is for Dreamscape to really tie everything together.”

InBloom by Kumquat Lab is set to be displayed in Wren Landing - image supplied by Canary Wharf Group — *InBloom* by Kumquat Lab is set to be displayed in Wren Landing – image supplied by Canary Wharf Group

selecting some highlights

A full list of installations and their locations is available here, but Lowri and Camilla have picked out some highlights and works to look out for.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing Aether by Architecture Social Club in Montgomery Square,” said Camilla.

“The artist behind it is Max Cooper, who is very well known.

“It features light, a soundscape and music and is more of a performance than a sculpture.

“People will be able to walk under it and it’s always great to use space so visitors can get different perspectives on the pieces.”

Lowri said: “There are a number of new commissions specifically for this festival.

“East London artist Marcus Lyall is returning with Manifestation – a projection piece in Wood Wharf.

“We’ve also tried to include more interactive exhibits this year and it will be really interesting to see how audiences react to that.

“There’s Lacto-Reacto-Light by Jack Wimperis at Canary Riverside, which is a large wall made from recycled milk bottles that reflects the movements of its audience.

“There’s also InBloom by Kumquat Lab at Wren Landing – a work about the pollination of flowers with orbs that change colour when hands are moved over them, with sounds emitted during the process.”

Camilla added: “I’m also really excited to see how people interact with At The Hand by LaCroix at Harbour Quay Gardens.

“It’s a holographic hand controlled by the audience down beside the water.”

Canary Wharf Group's Camilla McGregor - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Canary Wharf Group’s Camilla McGregor – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

ones to watch at Winter Lights 2026

Another showstopper to look out for will be Amplitudes by Limbic Cinema. Projected onto mist in Eden Dock, the piece will be on a constant loop at the heart of the Wharf.

Camilla said: “We’re doing something new this year – for the first time ever, the public will be able to vote for their favourite installations, either via QR code where they are displayed or on our website.”

The winner will then be announced online and via social media to celebrate the top piece’s popularity.

Hulahoop by Scale is set to be displayed in Union Square on Wood Wharf - image supplied by Canary Wharf Group — *Hulahoop* by Scale is set to be displayed in Union Square on Wood Wharf – image supplied by Canary Wharf Group

plan your visit

Regarding logistics, CWG’s advice is to visit the festival on a weekday, with weekends expected to be extremely busy.

“We’ve extended free parking for three hours to weekdays as well as weekends for those spending £10 in Waitrose to encourage people to come during the week,” said Lowri.

“We’ll be hosting Winter Lights Bites street food hubs at Jubilee Park, Montgomery Square and Union Square, curated by Karnival during the festival.

“These traders will be offering 20% off food Monday-Wednesday, so it’s a great time to visit.”

Restaurants and bars are also likely to be busy during the festival, so early booking is recommended.

Camilla said: “We can’t wait for people to see this year’s Winter Lights. It’s art that’s accessible and free to enjoy.

“The event brings an audience to the estate and that’s great for the businesses here but it’s also a real benefit to Canary Wharf in introducing people to our cultural offering.”

Flower Power by Aerosculpture, Jean-Pierre David and Christian Thellier will be on show at Westferry Circus - image supplied by Canary Wharf Group — *Flower Power* by Aerosculpture, Jean-Pierre David and Christian Thellier will be on show at Westferry Circus – image supplied by Canary Wharf Group

key details: Winter Lights 2026

Winter Lights 2026 runs from January 20-31 from 5pm-10pm and is free to attend.

There are 16 special installations to discover alongside nine from Canary Wharf’s permanent art collection.

For a map of the location of all the artworks follow this link.

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

January 14, 2026January 15, 2026

Here There Are Blueberries set for Stratford East run in February

UK premiere of lauded American show tells the story of a mysterious photo album featuring Nazis working at Auschwitz concentration camp

Here There Are Blueberries is set for a run at Stratford East. Images show a previous production of the show - image supplied by Here There Are Blueberries / Tectonic Theater — Here There Are Blueberries is set for a run at Stratford East. Images show a previous production of the show – image supplied by Here There Are Blueberries / Tectonic Theater

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

“A lot of people asked us early on if, by making a play about Auschwitz, we were humanising Nazis,” said Matt Joslyn, executive director of Tectonic Theater and producer of Here There Are Blueberries.

“It’s an interesting question, because we don’t have to humanise them.

“They are human – the danger is to dehumanise them.”

The play, a Pulitzer Prize finalist that has garnered widespread recognition over a series of runs in the States, is set to get its UK première at Stratford East with shows from January 31 until February 28 ,2026.

It tells the story of a mysterious photo album that arrived on the desk of a US Holocaust Memorial Museum archivist’s desk one day in 2007.

Inside are what Matt describes as “Nazi selfies” – photos taken by and of those working at the Auschwitz concentration camp complex.

The piece takes its name from a handwritten caption in the album – “hier gibt es blaubeeren” – beside a photo of young women and a man enjoying bowls of blueberries, while another man plays the accordion in the background.

Tectonic Theater's Matt Joslyn - image by Jenny Anderson — Tectonic Theater’s Matt Joslyn – image by Jenny Anderson

the story of a play

“The journey of the play really began in 2012, when Moisés Kaufman – its co-author – saved the front page of the New York Times with a photo that haunted him,” said Matt.

“It sat on his desk for three years before he wrote to the museum archivist.

“They were originally going to meet for half an hour, but ended up spending three days together.

“It was during that time Moisés began to realise the possibility of a play was in the fact that uncovering the history of the album and its images was a detective story.

“It was about asking what this enigmatic object is and why it’s so strangely compelling and powerful.

“He was drawn to the images, but also to how the archivist untangled the tale of who made the album, what it depicts and what the people featured were doing.

“It’s important to note that we considered whether the world needed another Holocaust play.

“The atrocity has been the subject of more works of art – plays, books and films – than any other event in human history.

“But this album did have something different to say – among other things raising the question how people could eat blueberries next to a concentration camp where 1.1million people were being murdered?”

Presented by Tectonic, the play was conceived and directed by Moisés who wrote the piece in collaboration with Amanda Gronich.

Newly cast for its London run, the show features hard-hitting projections on stage as it explores the issues raised by the album’s arrival.

The show features projections of images from the album -
Tectonic Theater's Matt Joslyn - image supplied by Here There Are Blueberries / Tectonic Theater — The show features projections of images from the album –
Tectonic Theater’s Matt Joslyn – image supplied by Here There Are Blueberries / Tectonic Theater

complacent, complicit, culpable?

Matt said: “What drew us to the development of the play in earnest was about six years of research, interviews and workshops.

“A lot of this was with second and third generation survivors and perpetrators of the Holocaust – investigating the inherited trauma on both sides.

“We began the work in 2016, which future historians may well point to as a shifting point in the world.

“We were starting to contemplate what ways each of us are complacent about terrible things that happen, as well as complicit in them and sometimes even culpable for them.

“In many ways you could look at and study this play as a meditation on that continuum.

“What the play is really trying to do is to encourage audiences to contemplate their own role in the world – whether they are contributing to the suffering of others or willingly doing something that’s causing harm.

“This, for me, is the central point.

“Growing up, I was consistently told things that made me feel safe about the Holocaust – that the people who did it were monsters, that individuals were brainwashed or tricked into taking part.

“The truth is the perpetrators of Auschwitz had similar upbringings to mine, growing up in the American Mid West with similar values.”

The play focuses on those seeking to uncover the stories behind the images and the album - The show features projections of images from the album - image supplied by Here There Are Blueberries / Tectonic Theater — The play focuses on those seeking to uncover the stories behind the images and the album – The show features projections of images from the album – image supplied by Here There Are Blueberries / Tectonic Theater

beyond the performance

To help audiences get to grips with these issues, Here There Are Blueberries is presented as more than a play.

A series of post-show talks will be hosted on selected dates during the run to discuss themes raised by the production.

Those who have bought a ticket for any of the shows at Stratford East can attend these, even if they haven’t seen the play that day.

Matt said: “One of the things that has surprised and gratified us about the play is that it does elicit a powerful response, which leads to audience members wanting and needing to talk about it.

“It’s something we piloted when the play had its première in San Diego in 2022 and we’ve done them ever since.

“Most are curated by Fellowships At Auschwitz For The Study Of Professional Ethics.

“There’s a phenomenal quote from FASPE’s founder, which is that the story of Auschwitz is the story of problem solving.

“If you understand that, you can understand how it happened.

“When we visited the camp as part of this project, we were taken down a long path between the men’s and women’s huts on our way to the birch trees at the back where people waited to be taken into the gas chambers.

“On the way, I noticed a cistern on stilts and I asked our guide what it was for.

“He told me it was for fire suppression because the insurance companies required it.

“I was brought up to believe that all the camps were criminal enterprises.

“To contemplate an insurance adjuster with a clipboard, coming to the camp, where 100,000 people were imprisoned, and authorising the cistern so the buildings and the prisoners’ lives were insured, was a shocking thing for me.

“The talks centre around such questions as why the Holocaust is still a subject of study, its normalisation and reflection on the humans’ capacity to project normalcy in the face of the extraordinary.

“Personally, in the US, I experience that every day in terms of what’s happening in our politics.

“We’re hoping to respond to the need for people to talk more about the play and then connect them to a wider world.

“We hope it sends people in different directions, to learn more about the camps, the fact women were very much involved in running them, the fact doctors did awful experiments and the businesses that took part in the forced labour enterprise.”

Stratford East will host a new version of the show from Jan 31-Feb 28, 2026 - image supplied by Here There Are Blueberries / Tectonic Theater — Stratford East will host a new version of the show from Jan 31-Feb 28, 2026 – image supplied by Here There Are Blueberries / Tectonic Theater

key details: Here There Are Blueberries

Here There Are Blueberries is set to run at Stratford East from January 31 until February 28, 2026 with performance times varying.

Tickets start at £10 for most shows.

Find out more about the production or book tickets here

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

December 17, 2025December 17, 2025

Abbey Quay’s Jasper Wharf sales suite unveiled by Weston Homes

Developer Weston Homes has launched the facility at its Barking scheme to showcase apartments in its 29-storey tower on the River Roding

Jasper Wharf at Abbey Quay stands beside the River Roding - image supplied by Weston Homes — Jasper Wharf at Abbey Quay stands beside the River Roding – image supplied by Weston Homes

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here

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 — 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 — 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.

Find out more about the development here

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

Subscribe to our free Wharf Whispers newsletter here