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Wharf Wellness returns to Canary Wharf for the whole of June 2025

Festival of health and wellbeing features classes, workshops, taster sessions, music and more

Wharf Wellness is returning to Canary Wharf for the whole of June - image by Canary Wharf Group
Wharf Wellness is returning to Canary Wharf for the whole of June – image by Canary Wharf Group

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Sip mocktails, sweat in the UK’s largest sauna, thwack padel balls, dive into the dock, bend, flex, run and jump – Wharf Wellness is returning.

Canary Wharf’s festival of health and wellbeing is back and for 2025, there will be events running throughout the whole month of June.

This year, in addition to a selection of free activities, the festival will also feature an extended range of paid-for classes offering Wharfers the chance to experience discounted sessions from top brands.

“Wharf Wellness is a celebration of the health and wellbeing brands we have in Canary Wharf,” said Poppy Price, retail events and partnerships executive at Canary Wharf Group.

“This is the third time we’re hosting it – we held four-day events in 2023 and 2024 to showcase our diverse offering.

“It’s really grown in popularity and classes were selling out very quickly, so this year we wanted to extend it to a whole month, working with our partners for a longer period of time.

“We wanted to ensure as many people as possible could come here as we know there’s a real appetite for these kinds of events and activities.

“Workers can take a break from their desks for a taster session at Padium or Pilates with Third Space trainers at Eden Dock.

Canary Wharf Group's Poppy Price - image by Jon Massey
Canary Wharf Group’s Poppy Price – image by Jon Massey

“For our residents it’s an opportunity to try different things that are on their doorstep.

“For visitors, it’s a chance to discover a different side to Canary Wharf and to see what else is here.

“It’s about showing people they can really make a day here, participating in our programme of wellness activities, then making use of the offers our retailers are running throughout June.”

Retailers across the neighbourhood will also be participating in Wharf Wellness with June offers and experiences available from the likes of Aesop, Malin+Goetz, Jo Malone, Pure, Feels Like June and Get A Drip.

Pure is offering a 20% discount for the whole of June to customers mentioning Wharf Wellness at the till - image by Pure
Pure is offering a 20% discount for the whole of June to customers mentioning Wharf Wellness at the till – image by Pure

Wharf Wellness, going deeper…

Poppy added: “We know wellness goes beyond fitness. It’s your mental health, self-care and the chance to spend some time with nature too.

“Canary Wharf offers all that. We’re really excited to be working with Arc Community on a series of talks during June.

“Arc is a contrast therapy space where people can engage in meditation, communal saunas and ice cold plunge baths.

“For Wharf Wellness the venue will be hosting three expert-led sessions in the beautiful lounge space they have.

“It’s a chance to both see Arc and also learn something. There’s one on hormonal optimisation, which is an area that’s growing.

“There’s another one on sleep too, which is a huge trend. We’re all so busy it’s about finding time to relax and take time out.”

Scroll down to find full listings for Wharf Wellness’ month-long programme and booking links.

Padium in Bank Street Park is set to run social events and introductory sessions in June as part of Wharf Wellness - image by Padium
Padium in Bank Street Park is set to run social events and introductory sessions in June as part of Wharf Wellness – image by Padium

a chance to win

In celebration of Wharf Wellness, Canary Wharf Group is also running a competition for one person to win a £500 gift card to spend on health and wellbeing on the Wharf.

Find out full details, including terms and conditions, here

Third Space will be running an outdoor HIIT workout at Union Square - image by Third Space
Third Space will be running an outdoor HIIT workout at Union Square – image by Third Space

what’s on at Wharf Wellness

The core of the Wharf Wellness offering is the wide range of activities, classes and workshops on offer in June.

Bookings are now open, which can be made via the links below.

Feels Like Zero Mocktail Terrace

Jun 2-26, daily, noon-9pm, Feels Like June, 15 Water Street, Wood Wharf, £15

Elevate your wellness with Feels Like June’s exclusive mocktail offer – only available on the venue’s terrace.

For the whole of June, guests can enjoy two mocktails alfresco for £15.

Find out more here

Pilates For 7 Days

Jun 2-8, daily, times vary, Freedom Clinics, Cabot Place, £49

The challenge – join Freedom Clinics for seven days of Pilates (or at least 3x a week) and experience the transformation this form of exercise delivers. 

Every participant is entered into a draw to win a 10-class pack

Book via this link and select pass: Wharf Wellness Pass

Arc Community Workshop: Peak State

Jun 2, 6.45pm-7.30pm, Arc Community, Crossrail Place Level -2, £35

This workshop provides multiple tools to optimise mental, physical, and emotional performance in our chronic burnout culture.

Through intention setting, education on the science of peak performance and self-assessment activities, you’ll gain actionable insights to enhance your performance sustainably.

Book an Arc single credit, then reserve a space via its calendar

Padium: Big Club Social

Jun 3, 7pm-8.30pm, Padium, Bank Street Park, £40

Meet other padel enthusiasts in a fun, social setting where you’ll play a series of 15-minute matches, moving up or down a court based on wins and losses.

After the games, unwind and connect over delicious pizza in Padium’s mezzanine area.

Book via this link

Alfresco Arts: Music

Jun 4, 12.30pm-2pm, Jubilee Park, free

The Hot Club Of Jupiter – Docklands Sinfonia Jazz will play interplanetary gypsy jazz and hot swing at this free concert. No booking required.

Find the full Alfresco Arts: Music programme here

Lunchtime Resets

Jun 9-15, daily, 1pm-1.45pm, Freedom Clinics, Cabot Place, £50

Try a 45-minute Pilates session at 1pm each day and get a discount if you sign up for a class pack on the same day.

Book via this link and select Wharf Wellness Lunch Reset – code WHARFWELLNESS25

Intro To Padel

Jun 10, 11am-12.30pm, Padium, Bank Street Park, £40

Begin your padel journey with this introduction session.

Perfect for first-timers, this class covers all the fundamental techniques and rules you need to start playing with confidence. 

Book via this link

Arc Community Workshop: Sleep Optimisation

Jun 10, 6.45pm-7.30pm, Arc Community, Crossrail Place Level -2, £35

Unlock the secrets to restorative sleep and enhanced resilience.

This workshop provides applicable tools, knowledge and core practices to optimise your sleep quality. 

Book an Arc single credit, then reserve a space via its calendar

Pilates With Third Space

Jun 11, 7.30am-8.30am, Eden Dock, £5

Join Third Space for a bodyweight mat Pilates class on Eden Dock.

Mat Pilates is a slower-paced class that emphasises precise instruction, with a strong focus on proper alignment and posture improvement.

All proceeds go to the Magic Breakfast Charity

Book now via this link

HIIT class with Third Space

Jun 12, 6pm-7pm, Union Square, Wood Wharf, £5

Ignite your evening with a high-octane HIIT session in the heart of Canary Wharf.

This 45-minute bodyweight workout will push your limits and boost your fitness, all while supporting a great cause.

Book via this link

Padium: Big Club Social 2

Jun 14, noon-1.30pm, Padium, Bank Street Park, £40

See description above, book via this link.

Barry's in Crossrail Place will be hosting two charity classes for Wharf Wellness - image by Matt Grayson
Barry’s in Crossrail Place will be hosting two charity classes for Wharf Wellness – image by Matt Grayson

United We Barry’s Charity Class

Jun 14, 3pm-4pm, Barry’s, Crossrail Place Level -2, donations

Experience Barry’s legendary workout while supporting a worthy cause.

This special charity class offers the perfect opportunity to challenge yourself in their signature Red Room while contributing to their partner charity.

All proceeds go to United We Barry’s partner charity.

Register you interest via this link

Pilates, Performance And A Perfect Sip

Jun 16-20, daily, times vary, Freedom Clinics, Cabot Place, £50

Try this small group Pilates session followed by refreshing Exalt Juices to help you refuel and recover.

Book via this link using code WHARFWELLNESS25

Intro To Padel 2

Jun 17, 11am-12.30pm, Padium, Bank Street Park, £40

See description above, book via this link.

Pilates With Third Space 2

Jun 18, 7.30am-8.30am, Eden Dock, £5

See description above – all proceeds go to the Magic Breakfast Charity.

Book via this link

Alfresco Arts: Music

Jun 18, 12.30pm-2pm, Eden Dock, free

Docklands Sinfonia String Quartet are set to delight with a programme of classical chill-out, helping audiences relax to their favourite melodies. No booking required.

Find the full Alfresco Arts: Music programme here

United We Barry’s Charity Class 2

Jun 22, 3-4pm, Barry’s, Crossrail Place Level -2, donations

See description above – all proceeds go to United We Barry’s partner charity.

Register your interest via this link

Arc Community in Crossrail Place will host a series of three talks in June - image by Arc Community
Arc Community in Crossrail Place will host a series of three talks in June – image by Arc Community

Arc Community Workshop: Hormonal Optimisation

Jun 24, 6.45pm-7.30pm, Arc Community, Crossrail Place Level -2, £35

Discover the keys to hormonal health through lifestyle changes, somatic movement and self-awareness.

This workshop blends research based education with practical, embodied exercises. 

Book an Arc single credit, then reserve a space via its calendar

Padium: Big Club Social 3

Jun 24, 7pm-8.30pm, Padium, Bank Street Park, £40

See description above, book via this link.

Intro to Padel 3

Jun 26, 11am-12.30pm, Padium, Bank Street Park, £40

See description above, book via this link.

Open Water Swimming

Ongoing from Jun 5, daily, times vary, Eden Dock

Our popular Open Water Swimming will be returning to Canary Wharf this summer.

In partnership with Love Open Water, residents, visitors and workers are invited to take a dip in the beautiful clear waters of Eden Dock.

Find out more here

Short Story Stations

Ongoing, daily, Crossrail Place Roof Garden and Jubilee Place Level -2, free

Take time out to print out a free short story from Canary Wharf’s two vending machines.

Presented in partnership with Penguin, Wharfers can get a proper screen break by reading an extract from the publishers’ catalogue.

Find out more here

Pride In Wellness

Jun 26-29, times vary, Throughout Canary Wharf

Get ready for London’s first dedicated wellness event for the queer community, coming to Canary Wharf this June.

Pride in Wellness will be a primarily free event featuring talks, taster sessions, wellness experiences, and workshops.

The full programme is set to be announced later this month.

You can find more details here

Read more: Sauna Boat arrives on West India Quay, offering hot and cold therapy

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BBQ Boats reopen for summer bookings in Canary Wharf

Electric craft offer the chance to grill and chill on the dock, sailing from Skuna’s West India Quay base


Captain cook: Groups use an onboard grill to prepare food on West India Quay - image by Skuna
Captain cook: Groups use an onboard grill to prepare food on West India Quay – image by Skuna

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SUMMER SOCIALS

Making memories are what summer socials are all about.

As the mercury climbs, the great outdoors provides an ideal change of scene from the office or the home – a backdrop to shared experiences.

For those seeking something just that little bit different, Skuna’s BBQ Boats are all set for 2025’s summer months.

Based at West India Quay, these self-drive electric craft come with built-in BBQs offering Wharfers “an unforgettable way to eat, drink and spend time with others”.

BBQ Boats hold up to 10 people, with cruises lasting 100 minutes
BBQ Boats hold up to 10 people, with cruises lasting 100 minutes

BBQ Boats offer 100-minute cruises

The experience begins with a quick briefing before guests take the helm for 100 minutes of cooking and relaxing on the tranquil waters of North Dock. 

Each boat holds up to 10 people,  who can either bring their own food to grill or pre-order from Skuna’s freshly prepared food packages.

Drinks can be purchased from the on-site bar, which also sells captains hats for those who want to take a turn at the tiller.

“Our BBQ Boats offer the perfect dining on the water experience for summer,” said Stuart  ‘Tommo’ Thomson, founder of Skuna

“They are great for team bonding experience as you cook and sail yourself around the beautiful docks of Canary Wharf.

“This is a world away from the ordinary BBQ in the park or back garden – it’s summer dining, but not as you know it – and a bucket list activity to enjoy with friends and colleagues alike.” 


The craft are a popular option for summer parties in Canary Wharf
The craft are a popular option for summer parties in Canary Wharf

key details: Skuna BBQ Boats

Skuna’s BBQ Boats are available during the summer months from their home on West India Quay.

Prices and details of the various food packages available can all be found on Skuna’s website, as well as booking links for its Sauna Boat and Hot Tub Boat experiences – also based in Canary Wharf.

Find out more about cooking on the water here

Read more: Sauna Boat arrives on West India Quay, offering hot and cold therapy

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Tower Bridge highlights one pound tickets for local residents to visit

Attraction is encouraging people living in Tower Hamlets, Southwark and the City Of London to explore its history and stories at a discounted rate

Local residents can visit the displays and walkways at the crossing for £1
Local residents can visit the displays and walkways at the crossing for £1 – image by Tower Bridge

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In a vaulted brick chamber on the banks of the Thames, the lime green wheel of a massive steam engine is gently, powerfully revolving.

Picked out in vibrant red, yellow and black stripes, this stately machine is no longer powered by boiling water, but a marvellous industrial relic, animated for the benefit of visitors to Tower Bridge.

Originally there would have been eight such engines – four on each side of the river – used to pump water into massive hydraulic accumulators that were used to store energy to raise the crossing’s two huge bascules. 

These would swing up and down, on average, 60 times a day to allow tall ships to sail up and down the river unimpeded.

The Victorian technology is, however, just one of myriad surprises awaiting those on a trip into this major landmark

Perhaps one of the most startling is its age.

At 131 it’s considerably older than many of the buildings that surround it, but less than a seventh of the age of the neighbouring Tower Of London, which celebrates its 950th birthday this year and inspired the aesthetic design of the crossing.

One of the preserved steam engines at Tower Bridge
One of the preserved steam engines at Tower Bridge – image by Tower Bridge

visit for £1

“Tower Bridge is London’s defining landmark, welcoming visitors from all over the world,” said Amy O’Rourke, marketing manager for Tower Bridge at City Bridge Foundation. 

“We want to make it accessible to everyone, but particularly to people living locally so that they can feel it’s their local landmark.”

Amy, who joined the team at the attraction five-and-a-half years ago – after travelling down the Thames from Royal Museums Greenwich – is leading the charge to encourage more of its neighbours to visit.  

To that end, Tower Bridge is seeking to highlight the fact that residents of the boroughs of Tower Hamlets and Southwark – or those living in the City Of London – can get tickets to explore Tower Bridge for £1 per person.

Amy O’Rourke, marketing manager at Tower Bridge – image by Jon Massey

“We want everyone to feel welcome at the bridge,” said Amy.

“The story that we tell about its history is focused on the people – those who built it and those who have worked here.

“We have these lovely connections to the local community, the docks and the work that went on  in this part of London, so we want people who are here now to know about them.”

Visitors with pre-booked tickets queue to gain access to the experience on the bridge itself then, following a quick security check, climb 200 steps or take the lift in the north tower to the crossing’s twin elevated walkways some 42 metres above the Thames.

There’s even a glass floor so people can look down on the bridge below.

The walkways were originally intended to allow pedestrians to traverse the river unimpeded given the bridge’s frequent openings, although in practice its operation was so slick most Londoners simply waited at ground level.

The crossing opened 131 years ago
The crossing opened 131 years ago – image by Jon Massey

discovering Tower Bridge

“On the way up and in the walkways, you’ll learn about the history, why it was built – because of the need for a river crossing with the increase in traffic,” said Amy.

“You’ll also find out about the alternative designs for the crossing that were put forward, and how we got to the final design of the lovely bascule bridge we have today.

“At the time it was finished, in 1894, it was a marvel of engineering. Visitors finish the tour by descending in the south tower and making their way to the engine rooms, which are really the beating heart of the bridge.

“It’s my favourite place because you can really feel the hard work that would have been done there – blood, sweat and tears. It’s very special. 

“When it was running on steam, about 80 people were needed to manage and maintain the crossing in working order. 

“Throughout the visit we talk about their stories, including the likes of cook Hannah Griggs, who was born in Bermondsey and helped keep staff fed from 1911-1915. These are the people we want local residents to know about.”

There’s another aspect to Tower Bridge.

While the capital’s most easterly physical river crossing is rich in heritage, it plays many other roles too.


Hydraulic accumulators at Tower Bridge - image by Jon Massey
Hydraulic accumulators at Tower Bridge – image by Jon Massey

events at Tower Bridge

“Once the doors close at 6pm, things start to happen behind the scenes,” said Amy.

“We work with a partner called Social Pantry and have a number of spaces available for events of all kinds.

“For example, there’s a room in the north tower that can hold about 60 people for a wedding or small dinners. 

“The walkways can also be used for photography, drinks receptions and dining.

“We are quite flexible on what we can accommodate – recently we’ve had jazz bands playing, gymnasts performing and acrobats showing off their moves.

“We can also offer dinner and drinks in the engine rooms, which are a more intimate space and great for engineering enthusiasts. 

“We can change the lighting to match corporate branding, or events can be timed to coincide with sunset. 

“It’s really special to be over the Thames, especially at night with the whole city lit up.

“We can also arrange special tours for guests so they get an enhanced experience.”

While Tower Bridge can be visited daily with slots from 9.30am-4.30pm, it’s worth trying to catch a bridge opening just for the sheer spectacle.

“When it happens London just stops for a while,” said Amy.

“It feels really special, standing there and witnessing it.

“Everyone’s normally rushing everywhere and I thought it must also be good for people’s wellbeing to just take a moment.”

Forthcoming openings are listed on Tower Bridge’s website and will take place most days in May.

The walkways include glass floors so visitors to the bridge – which is dog-friendly throughout – can look down to the Thames below - image by Tower B
The walkways include glass floors so visitors to the bridge – which is dog-friendly throughout – can look down to the Thames below – image by Tower Bridge

key details: Tower Bridge

Those living in Tower Hamlets, Southwark or the City Of London can get tickets to visit Tower Bridge for £1 per person. 

These should be booked in advance and visitors will need to bring proof of address with them on the day.

Standard tickets to Tower Bridge cost £16 for adults and £8 for children. Family ticket options are also available.

Find out more via the attraction’s website here

Read more: Sauna Boat arrives on West India Quay, offering hot and cold therapy

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NASSA’s Next Generation networking + fundraising dinner on sale

Newham All Star Sports Academy is celebrating its 20th birthday with an event aimed at generating funds to support its east London operation

NASSA works with young people across east London
NASSA works with young people across east London

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tell me about NASSA’s Next Generation…

Newham All Star Sports Academy (NASSA) is set to host its first networking and fundraising dinnerNASSA’s Next Generation – at Brick Lane Music Hall in Royal Docks this summer.

what is NASSA?

For 20 years the charity has been an engine of social mobility for young people in east London.

Engaging them through basketball, it supports their education and training, instilling discipline and ambition in some of the most deprived areas in the capital.

Its Carry A Basketball Not A Blade campaign has reached more than 100,000 young people, teaching them about the dangers of knife crime and working in partnership with the Metropolitan Police to tackle gang culture.

In short, NASSA saves young people’s lives and enriches them.

NASSA CEO and founder, Natasha Hart
NASSA CEO and founder, Natasha Hart – image Matt Grayson

>> Natasha Hart MBE, NASSA CEO and founder, started the charity in 2005 after taking her two sons to a Newham park to teach them basketball.

Soon she was surrounded by young people keen to try the sport, which inspired the charity’s creation.

Natasha said: “Once you become part of the NASSA family, that’s for life.

“What started in 2005 as a way for young people to get outside and keep fit has grown into a bigger mission, working with the community to tackle violence and gang culture through sport and education.

“It’s incredibly moving to hear about the difference we’ve made in people’s lives. Now we want to reach even further.

“It’s amazing that we’re able to host this networking and fundraising dinner in our 20th year to help us continue that work.

“We’re so grateful for the support we’ve had over the years and would love you to join us on June 18, 2025.”

why NASSA’s Next Generation?

To continue in its work and expand its operations, NASSA needs to raise funds and is always looking for new organisations and individuals to partner with. 

In celebration of its 20th anniversary, it has created an event aimed at bringing its supporters together with those who would like to get involved to network, to introduce the charity’s ongoing work to them and mark its achievements.

Networking and dinner will be followed by a show at Brick Lane Music Hall in Royal Docks
Networking and dinner will be followed by a show at Brick Lane Music Hall in Royal Docks

what will happen?

NASSA’s Next Generation is set to take place at Brick Lane Music Hall in Royal Docks on June 18, 2025, from 6pm-midnight.

The evening will start with a drinks reception with plenty of time for networking.

This will be followed by a three-course dinner and a music hall show, with further opportunity to socialise after the curtain falls. 

who will be there?

The evening will be hosted by NASSA with support from the charity’s patron, Sir Stephen Timms MP, minister for social security and disability.

The event will also be attended by senior management from long-time NASSA supporters Excel London, Tate&Lyle Sugars, London City Airport and Novotel London Excel as well as the Royal Docks Team and local businesses.

Excel London CEO, Jeremy Rees - image by Jon Massey
Excel London CEO, Jeremy Rees – image by Jon Massey

>> Excel London has long been a supporter of NASSA and its work.

CEO Jeremy Rees has brought local organisations together in an advisory capacity to help guide the charity as it continues to grow and develop, tackling some of the toughest issues in society. 

Jeremy said: “What Natasha and the team have done over the course of two decades is incredible and deserves our attention and backing.

This is an organisation that started with just £20 in its bank account and has now reached more than 100,000 young people.

“The NASSA’s Next Generation networking and fundraising dinner is all about how we can work together as businesses, organisations and individuals to help it continue these vital efforts and reach the next 100,000.

The event will be a real celebration of NASSA – but we can’t do this alone.

Support us on June 18 and we can do even more.”

The charity works to fight knife crime and gang culture through its Carry A Basketball Not A Blade campaign
The charity works to fight knife crime and gang culture through its Carry A Basketball Not A Blade campaign

how can I get involved?

Tickets to the event are now on public sale, priced at £220pp with all proceeds going to NASSA.

A small number of full tables (12 seats) and half tables, priced at £200pp are available too. 

 In addition to the show, a raffle will be held on the evening for exclusive prizes from the likes of Kricket, iFLY London, Arc Community Sauna, Emilia’s Crafted Pasta and Skuna

how do I book tickets?

Can email info@wharf-life.com or visit the charity’s website.

Read more: How Orbit Clipper is set to become the first all-electric ferry on the Thames

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Secrets Of The Thames exhibition showcases mudlarking treasures

London Museum Docklands’ latest major exhibitions recreates Thames foreshore and tells the stories of those who scour its beaches


A 16th century dagger goes on display at London Museum Docklands’ exhibition - image by London Museum
A 16th century dagger goes on display at London Museum Docklands’ exhibition – image by London Museum

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The tide has washed over the space set aside for major exhibitions at London Museum Docklands and left behind it a rich haul of finds, information and art.

Unveiled this month, Secrets Of The Thames is a hymn to the capital’s longest archaeological site – the river’s foreshore – and those who prowl the edges of the water in search of its treasures.

The exhibition, which runs until March next year, is a celebration and revelation of the long-observed practice of mudlarking – raking through stretches of land that are exposed as the tides reveal London’s beaches and mudflats twice a day. 

To that end, curators have combined a vast array of finds with a recreation of the exposed riverbed, artworks and a technical window into how the museum works with the beachcombers to catalogue and preserve historic pieces rescued from the depths.

Today mudlarking is popular – it’s regulated by the Port Of London Authority, which issues 4,000 permits for enthusiasts each year.

It has suspended new applications at present due to a waiting list now exceeding 10,000. 

But while 21st century archaeologists, artists and social media producers are driven to dig in the soggy stuff for a variety of lofty motivations, those who went before were often simply scratching a living. 

The exhibition includes a recreation of the Thames foreshore for visitors to explore - image by London Museum
The exhibition includes a recreation of the Thames foreshore for visitors to explore – image by London Museum

the story in the mud

“We tell the whole story from the earliest mudlarks who were first recorded in the 18th century” said Thomas Ardill, curator of paintings, prints and drawings at London Museum.

“It was probably going on long before that too.

“These people were just searching for useful things to sell – bits of coal and steel, for example.

“They were scavengers, sometimes children, sometimes women – but as they were finding useful objects, they were also digging up historical pieces.

“This was in a period when antiquarians were starting to get interested in London’s history and mudlarks found they could sell artefacts. 

“In the exhibition we’re showcasing not just what objects were found, but also the people who found them.

“The earliest mudlarks were entrepreneurs, and they were creative and inspired by what they found.

“Some were conning the art world by creating fakes, but that also showed their creativity and ingenuity.

Thomas Ardill, curator of paintings, prints and drawings at London Museum - image by Jon Massey
Thomas Ardill, curator of paintings, prints and drawings at London Museum – image by Jon Massey

“A lot of the mudlarks today are fantastic artists and it’s an exhibition that you see through their eyes.

“It’s about the joy of  discovery as much as it is about the objects.

“About five years ago, we touched on mudlarking a bit and realised it had potential – Secrets Of The Thames has been a long time in the making.

“We’ve been working closely with Stuart Wyatt, London Museum’s finds liaison officer, whose job it is to record the finds made by mudlarks with permits.

“One of the things I really like in the exhibition is the finds desk. It reveals how we record objects and will feature rotating exhibits.

“At the moment, there’s an Italian ceramic water vessel, which is one of four or five discovered in a particular spot on the Thames over the years.

“There’s definitely something interesting going on in that location.

“Stuart thinks what might have happened is a box containing a shipment may have been broken and been dumped over the side of the ship that was carrying it.”


London Museum curator Kate Summnall - image by London Museum
London Museum curator Kate Sumnall – image by London Museum

connecting to London’s history through Secrets Of The Thames

With brightly-lit cabinets full of deeply personal items – false teeth, rings, bones and even phallic fertility symbols – it’s also a chance for Londoners to get a sense of the city’s former inhabitants.

“We are lucky in London to have this amazing tidal river environment that has preserved so much of our past,” said London Museum curator Kate Sumnall.

“It is the longest archaeological site in the capital and here we find an unbelievably rich selection of finds, from beautifully worked prehistoric arrowheads to a small, ivory sundial used to tell the time.

“Thanks to the dedication and expertise of today’s mudlarks, we are constantly uncovering new objects that inform our understanding of history. 

“Above all this exhibition is an exploration of love and desire, faith and loss, migration, community and culture – the stories of generations of people who have visited the city or called it home.”

With many mudlarks using their finds to create art, the museum has chosen to embrace their creativity and showcase their talents as part of the exhibition.

Printmaker, sculptor and artist Amy-Leigh Bird - image by Jon Massey
Printmaker, sculptor and artist Amy-Leigh Bird – image by Jon Massey

a mudlark’s tale

Amy-Leigh Bird is a printmaker, sculptor and artist who regularly scours the foreshore in search of inspiration and materials.

One of her pieces is included in Secrets Of The Thames.

She said: “I started mudlarking as a kid, inspired by going to see an exhibition by artist Richard Long at Tate Britain.

“There was a beautiful piece he’d made out of red bricks and so I went down onto the foreshore with my dad and made my own little piece there – that was my first work.

“Then I went to university and started collecting in the rivers in Glasgow, collecting ceramic and glass objects. I also found a gun.

“When I came to London, it just seemed instinctive to go mudlarking.

“At first I was just aimlessly collecting – stuff I was interested in, but that did include bones and teeth, and this grew more into my practice.

“Other mudlarks were looking for coins, pins, garnets and cameos – which are all beautiful and exciting – but I like objects that are uglier.

“We’re all made of bones and teeth come from the mouths of living, sentient beings.

“Animal bones and teeth in the river might have come from meat markets that would feed the people of that time.

“They link back to us, which is really beautiful.

“Coming from a small town, I find that London can be an assault on the senses – it’s relentless.

“When you go mudlarking, there is this wonderful moment, highlighted in the exhibition, when you leave the chaos and noise behind.

“Once you’re on the foreshore, the sounds are different.

“It’s the the waves lapping, the gravel beneath your feet. I end up being there for hours and the time just flies.

Amy-Leigh Bird's Ancient Ruins 2020 - image by Jon Massey
Amy-Leigh Bird’s Ancient Ruins 2020 – image by Jon Massey

“Finding something feels euphoric. It’s personal, it’s mine. I lost a lot of my childhood toys in a house move, which was sad.

“So when I find something mudlarking it’s a sign to me that the object has in some way chosen me, which is a beautiful experience.

“My favourite object in the exhibition is a neolithic bone.

“It’s such a simple object but it’s made me wonder how many of the bones I’ve picked up for my collection are neolithic.

“I originally started making work by finding things and making prints out of them.

“I’d put bones, clay pipes and things together, photograph them and then translate that image into a photo-polymer etching.

“In lockdown, when I couldn’t go out or mudlark, I was stuck at home with a big box of bones and started to think of how I could create work differently.

“That was a shift in my work as an artist, to go from 2D work to sculpture.”

Amy-Leigh’s piece, Ancient Ruins, 2020, is included in Secrets Of The Thames.

Mudlark Alessio Checconi explores the Thames foreshore at low tide in search of treasures washed up by the ever-churning waters - image by John Chase / London Museum
Mudlark Alessio Checconi explores the Thames foreshore at low tide in search of treasures washed up by the ever-churning waters – image by John Chase / London Museum

key details: Secrets Of The Thames

Secrets Of The Thames will be at London Museum Docklands until March 1, 2026 and is accessible during normal opening hours.

Tickets are cheaper if booked online in advance and start at £16 for adults.

Find out more about the exhibition here

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Whale On The Wharf bursts out of dock on Water Street corner

StudioKCA installation made from ocean plastic waste carries an environmental message as it captures the attention of Canary Wharf visitors

Whale On The Wharf by StudioKCA is located on Water Street in Wood Wharf, next to Dishoom and Marceline - image by Jon Massey
Whale On The Wharf by StudioKCA is located on Water Street in Wood Wharf, next to Dishoom and Marceline – image by Jon Massey

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Just ask Jonah, whales are messengers.

The largest creatures on Earth have inspired countless works of art and fiction, often used to draw attention to matters of importance.

In the Hebrew scriptures, Jonah finds redemption in the belly of a great sea creature, having turned back to a righteous path.

There’s Moby Dick and Thomas Hobbes’ Leviathan too, but we needn’t get bogged down with revenge, obsession and highfalutin social philosophy.

More recently, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home saw Captain Kirk and crew forced to time travel back to 1986 on the silver screen to pick up a pair of humpback whales, thereby averting ecological disaster after an alien probe comes seeking the ocean giants, only to find them extinct in 2286. 

That’s almost as far-fetched as everyone running around with hand-held communication devices and tablet computers… 

Recently unveiled on Water Street, Whale On The Wharf, then, belongs to that proud tradition of leveraging the largest animal on the planet as a lodestone for attention and it’s exactly what StudioKCA’s intallation does

Leaping from the waters of the dock close to Marceline and Dishoom, the 12-metre high sculpture successfully breaches the consciousness of passers-by.

StudioKCA have also created similar pieces in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and in Bruges, Belgium.

The whale's skin is made from plastic waste reclaimed from the ocean - image by Jon Massey
The whale’s skin is made from plastic waste reclaimed from the ocean – image by Jon Massey

the story Whale On The Wharf tells

“We’re telling the story of how we live, what we use, where it ends up and what we should do about it,” said Jason Klimoski, who along with his wife Lesley Chang run the Brooklyn-based art and design studio that created the piece.

“It’s about the 150million tonnes of plastic in the ocean and the 8million we add to that each year.

“A lot of that is hidden, so bringing some of it here hopefully helps people visualise it.

“The plastic used in Whale On The Wharf comes from the Pacific and the Atlantic. We worked with the Hawaii Wildlife Fund to collect about five tonnes of plastic. 

“We cleaned it, organised it by how long it had been in the water, sorted it by colour and cleaned it piece by piece.

“We chose to make a whale because, pound-for-pound, the plastic in the ocean weighs more than the total of all the whales on the planet. 

“We thought it would be the perfect metaphor to help people understand the scale of the problem.”

The sculpture is supported on a recylced steel frame and concrete foundations made with biochar from spent coffee grounds collected from Canary Wharf - image by Jon Massey
The sculpture is supported on a recylced steel frame and concrete foundations made with biochar from spent coffee grounds collected from Canary Wharf – image by Jon Massey

a sustainable foundation for Whale On The Wharf

While the leaping creature is the public-facing portion of the work, Whale On The Wharf is also a creation of significant depth.

Canary Wharf Group’s commission is about a lot more than adding to its extensive public art collection.

Wharfers sipping coffee on the estate and then discarding their cups in its waste bins have contributed to its construction.

The sculpture sits on a foundation of concrete made with  biochar, a material that replaces sand in the mix and is made from those discarded grounds.

This also prevents CO2 being released when the coffee breaks down and reduces demand for the extraction of traditional raw resources from the Earth.

“We understand the power that art holds,” said Sophie Goddard, director of environment, social and governance at Canary Wharf Group.

“It can provoke emotion and it can create change.

“With this project we’ve really pushed the boundaries of what can be achieved.

“We thought about how we can take the principles of the circular economy and push those forward.

“We’ve locked up spent coffee in the foundation and we’ve been able to do that through the efforts of our in-house waste management team. 

“They hand-sort the rubbish that goes into our bins and their work means we’ve sent no waste to landfill since 2009.”

Whale On The Wharf is free to visit and stands 12 metres tall - image by Jon Massey
Whale On The Wharf is free to visit and stands 12 metres tall – image by Jon Massey

a strong steel core

On top of the concrete, Whale On The Wharf is supported by a braced steel structure made from recovered and reused steel to further reduce its environmental impact.

Jason said: “Inside the sculpture there’s a steel spine that supports the structure and aluminium armature to make the shape of the whale.

“Onto that we attached each of the pieces of plastic using steel ties and screws.

“We really want people to see the things they use every day, to recognise them and then wonder what happens to them. How did the things that make up this sculpture get here? What was their journey?

“There’s a car bumper, a kid’s toilet. It’s really the items that relate to children I find both funny and sad.

“Hopefully there’ll be a conversation at home after, especially with the kids, about how we use plastic and what we do with it afterwards.

“When we were building it, we were focussed on the scale of the issue, not necessarily on the thing itself.

“We have a son and so we have to think about the stuff we buy him and what will happen to it.”

Now Canary Wharf has both a head-turning artwork and also a constant reminder of the consequences of unbridled consumption on our planet.

As well as its role in drawing attention to environmental issues, the installation is a significant addition to the estate’s sculpture collection – the largest publicly accessible collection of outdoor works in the UK.

“The whales is a landmark, it’s visually stunning and it really stops people in their tracks,” said Lowri Harries, associate curator of public art at Canary Wharf Group.

“That’s exactly what we want. Since our initial call with Jason, the installation has involved pretty much every part of our business.

“Construction, development, sustainability, marketing and communications as well as all the external contractors that have worked on the project. 

“It’s taken a village to make this happen and we’re really thankful to everyone involved.”

An Ode To Never Fitting In, 2024, by Ashley Cluer is seen at Refuse in Broadwick Studio - image by Jon Massey
An Ode To Never Fitting In, 2024, by Ashley Cluer is seen at Refuse in Broadwick Studio – image by Jon Massey

opening up Refuse

Coinciding with the launch of Whale On The Wharf, Canary Wharf Group is also hosting Refuse, an exhibition of works by artists Poojan Gupta and Ashley Cluer who both work with reclaimed materials. 

Visitors can expect to see a selection of sculptures including a vast chain made from medicine blister packs and vibrant lime green shapes made from cement, newspaper and recycled wood.

Free to access, the exhibition is on display at Broadwick Studio.

Perhaps when prompted by all these signs, we might take more notice of the way we’re living as a species and even avoid alien annihilation in the future. 

PS, at Wharf Life we’re calling the Whale Bruce. You didn’t hear it from us…

key details: Whale On The Wharf

Whale On The Wharf is located on the corner of Water Street and Park Drive in Canary Wharf’s Wood Wharf. The installation is free to visit.

Refuse is in place until April 26, 2025, and is open from 10am-6pm on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at Broadwick Studio on the corner of Water Street and Charter Street in Wood Wharf.

Find out more about the sculpture here

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University Of Sunderland In London opens £10million campus

Institution launches Isle Of Dogs facility, building on 13 years of success in the Canary Wharf area

University Of Sunderland in London pro vice-chancellor for international office and branch campuses, Alan Hardie - image by Jon Massey
University Of Sunderland in London pro vice-chancellor for international office and branch campuses, Alan Hardie – image by Jon Massey

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Alan Hardie is, at least in part, powered by Irn-Bru.

The Glaswegian beverage famously “made in Scotland from girders” is an on-brand drink of choice for the man in charge of the University Of Sunderland In London for two reasons.  

Firstly, the orange liquid fits neatly with the institution’s colour scheme.

Secondly, the ammonium ferric citrate that gives it its bright and fizzy hue recalls the steel necessary to make a success of launching a London campus – steel is an alloy rich in strength and flexibility.

And what a triumph the University Of Sunderland’s campus in the capital has been.

Since its launch in 2012 at a building on Marsh Wall on the Isle Of Dogs, the campus has seen more than 28,000 students pass through its doors.

The University Of Sunderland In London started off with four programmes, expanding over the years to 31.

It currently has around 6,000 students with an expectation to “grow significantly”.

That forecast has led to an expansion, with a £10million investment in new space at Harbour Exchange – a facility that was officially opened on March 27.

The new campus is located at Harbour Exchange – image by Jon Massey

a new campus

“We needed to move because our existing building was tired and it was time for a change,” said Alan, who is the university’s pro vice-chancellor for international office and branch campuses.

“The other thing was there just wasn’t the space for some courses and there was nothing else we could do to improve it.

“Those were the things driving us to do something better.

“We chose this location because it’s a great part of London with fantastic transport links and we already had thousands of students coming here – we didn’t want to say to them that we were making life more awkward by relocating somewhere else.

“I’m amazed at the facilities we’re now able to offer.

“I was able to take one of my deputy directors – Lynsey Bendon – away from her student role temporarily and the job she and the team have done on the new campus is outstanding.

“When I first saw it finished, I was genuinely blown away – we couldn’t be happier. It’s light, it’s funky and everything’s been done to a high standard.

“There are lots of areas for students to work together and on their own and a great staff area too.

“Hopefully it projects confidence, that we’re serious about what we’re doing.

“We’ve got the space to be even more successful – to prove ourselves – and I think we can.”

Based on the last 13 years, that’s an aim that seems eminently achievable, given the progress already made.

For Alan, the London campus’ growth has been a story of adaptability – being able to rapidly change course.

There are dedicated facilities for specific courses - image by University Of Sunderland In London
There are dedicated facilities for specific courses – image by University Of Sunderland In London

adaptability at the University Of Sunderland In London

”Here we always want the student to be at the heart of any decisions we make,” said Alan, who is originally from Newcastle and has a private sector background working in human resources. 

“If that means paying for extra staff to make things more efficient, then that’s what has to happen. 

“As we’re a smaller part of the overall organisation, we’ve managed to speed things up that would otherwise have to go through a committee for approval.

“What we’ve been fairly good at is taking time to understand our student demographic, which is different from some other universities.

“If people come through the door we should treat them really well and, in general, I think we do that.

“If you go into a supermarket, for example, they say they’re doing things for the customer, but the way the store is laid out is really in the company’s interests.

“We choose to operate the campus in a way that works for our students, many of whom are older and may be fitting their education round jobs and childcare.

“It’s important they don’t feel bounced around and that we run as a one-stop-shop.

“Over the 13 years, it’s been key that we’ve learned how to do things ourselves and change where necessary.

“We have a variable intake model, meaning we welcome new groups of students three times a year.

“We have people coming into the campus and leaving all the time with students at all stages of our courses.

“What that allows is for us to identify what is and isn’t working within a 12-week window three times a year, rather than waiting to assess things at the end of a full 12 months.

There are dedicated facilities for specific courses - image by University Of Sunderland In London
There are dedicated facilities for specific courses – image by University Of Sunderland In London

“It means we can quickly adapt and iron out any problems if necessary ready for the next intake. 

“That’s been incredibly rewarding as a process and it’s relied on having a team of like-minded people.

“We’re 252 miles from the mothership and while the original idea was that the campus would run with a small group of staff with services provided remotely from afar, it became clear after a few weeks that wasn’t going to work.

“So we learned how to be more self sufficient and that’s been a theme during our time in the capital.

“We want to celebrate our students.

“We switched to using Southwark Cathedral for our graduation ceremonies, which is an iconic venue.

“Previously we used local hotels, but moving things takes us to another level, which is what we’re always trying to do.

“The question for us is always: ‘Why should students come here?’. It’s up to us to create the answers.

“We’re not for everybody. Some institutions have better programmes or a greater legacy – it’s our choice whether we want to challenge that by doing things differently.

“Initially when we opened with just 199 students there was a kind of modesty – a lack of confidence – for the first couple of years.

“But with support from our base up in Sunderland we’ve continued to grow and expand.”

With such stellar facilities now on tap, the university is clearly on a sure foundation to build on that even further.


Secretary of state for education, Bridget Philipson MP, opens the new campus in the presence of University Of Sunderland chancellor Leanne Cahill, vice-chancellor Sir David Bell, Alan, deputy directors of the University Of Sunderland In London, Lynsey Bendon and Geoff Paul and head of marketing, recruitment and admissions, Jelena Miljanic - image by University Of Sunderland In London
Secretary of state for education, Bridget Philipson MP, opens the new campus in the presence of University Of Sunderland chancellor Leanne Cahill, vice-chancellor Sir David Bell, Alan, deputy directors of the University Of Sunderland In London, Lynsey Bendon and Geoff Paul and head of marketing, recruitment and admissions, Jelena Miljanic – image by University Of Sunderland In London

opening the university’s new campus

>> The University Of Sunderland In London’s new campus was officially opened on March 27, 2025, by secretary of state for education, Bridget Philipson MP.

She said: “As a Sunderland MP, it does give me such pride to see the university going from strength to strength.

“The investment here is the stepping stone to even more  growth, excellence and opportunities for people to study. 

“I know the impact the university has for local economies, for driving growth both in the north of England and in London.

“It’s more important than ever that our universities are financially sustainable and that means stepping up, as Sunderland has, to drive forward growth, opportunities and productivity – that dynamism that the sector can bring.

“I think we all know we have to do more to narrow those gaps where it comes to inequality and educational opportunity.

“The University Of Sunderland has always been at the forefront of driving that forward and I’ve seen that impact, not just for young people, but for all the adults who have had the chance to go back into education and get on and everything that means for them and their families as well.

“That’s what the university is doing with this new building and I’m so excited to see it put to such good use.

“We can all feel what that means in terms of possibilities for those who come to study here from overseas and also from local communities.” 

The new campus boasts a multitude of breakout areas - image by University Of Sunderland In London
The new campus boasts a multitude of breakout areas – image by University Of Sunderland In London

key details: University Of Sunderland In London

The University Of Sunderland In London is based at Harbour Exchange on the Isle Of Dogs and offers courses in business, finance, management, tourism, hospitality, events, engineering, project management, nursing and health as well as postgraduate research.

Find out more about what the institution offers here

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East River Wharf offers buyers £5,000 incentive on apartments

Legal And General Affordable Homes prepares for open-day to showcase shared ownership properties

East River Wharf is part of the Riverscape development at Royal Docks - image by Legal And General Affordable Homes
East River Wharf is part of the Riverscape development at Royal Docks – image by Legal And General Affordable Homes

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what’s the news?

Legal And General Affordable Homes is set to host an open day for its shared ownership properties at East River Wharf.

when’s it happening?

The housing provider has scheduled the event for May 10, 2025, in the Sky Lounge at the development, which is part of Riverscape, a scheme on the banks of the Thames in Royal Docks.

what’s new? 

Legal And General is currently offering a £5,000 contribution towards buyers’ costs when purchasing a new home.

The idea is to lessen the burden of purchasing a property, be that stamp duty, moving costs or legal fees.

how does it work? 

The £5,000 is deducted from the overall cost of the property on completion with the purchaser responsible for assigning the cash appropriately.

To be eligible, buyers must reserve their shared ownership home before midnight on June 30 this year.

East River Wharf homes all feature private balconies - image by Legal And General Affordable Homes
East River Wharf homes all feature private balconies – image by Legal And General Affordable Homes

more about East River Wharf

tell me about East River Wharf

Located close to Lyle Park, the scheme offers one, two and three-bedroom apartments within easy walking distance of Silvertown and Pontoon Dock DLR stations.

They also benefit from Royal Wharf Pier, which is served by the Uber Boat By Thames Clippers river bus service.

what are the properties like?

The shared ownership apartments feature open-plan living spaces, fully fitted kitchens with integrated Siemens appliances, private balconies and an NHBC 10-year build warranty.

and the residents’ facilities?

Those moving into East River Wharf will get access to a residents’ gym, pool and spa as well as Riverscape’s Sky Lounge.

There’s also a 24-hour concierge service and estate security. 

what’s the area like?

East River Wharf’s blocks are located close to Lyle Park on the western edge of the Royal Wharf area.

Locally, many businesses are now established including a riverside pub, cafés, restaurants, a convenience store and a nail salon.

The scheme is also close to publicly accessible tennis courts and Thames Barrier Park, which boasts extensive landscaping and open space along the river.

Apartments come with integrated appliances - image by Legal And General Affordable Homes
Apartments come with integrated appliances – image by Legal And General Affordable Homes

a regenerated areas

and the location?

Royal Wharf is undergoing vast swathes of regeneration and boasts strong transport links to other areas of London.

Canary Wharf is around 15 minutes away, with direct links to the likes of London City Airport, Woolwich and Bank also available.

why shared ownership?

The scheme allows buyers to access housing with a much lower deposit than when purchasing a home on the open market.

This typically results in monthly outgoings that are cheaper than renting a home in the same area.

Housing providers sell a share of a home – often 25% – with buyers taking out a mortgage on just that portion of the property.

That means they may pay as little as 5% of that value as a deposit.

They then pay a capped below-market rent on the rest plus the full service charge and can live in the property essentially as though they own it.

getting more

Owners can choose to increase their share in a property via a process called staircasing right up to 100%. As their level of ownership rises, the rent they pay falls.

how much is East River Wharf?

Prices at the development start at £96,875 for a 25% share of a one-bed based on a full market value of £387,500.

Two-beds and Three-beds are also available.

The view from the Sky Lounge - image by Legal And General Affordable Homes
The view from the Sky Lounge – image by Legal And General Affordable Homes

key details: East River Wharf

Legal And General Affordable Homes Open Day at East River Wharf is set to take place on May 10, 2025, from 10am-4pm in the Sky Lounge, offering tours of available apartments.

Those wishing to attend should register via the company’s website.

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Bromely-By-Bow Gasworks set for thousands of St William homes

Redevelopment of brownfield land is one of three sites in east London in Berkeley Group company’s pipeline of regeneration projects

An aerial view of the Bromley-By-Bow Gasworks site - image by Berkeley Group
An aerial view of the Bromley-By-Bow Gasworks site – image by Berkeley Group

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East London is set to see an explosion in the number of homes built on former gasworks as developer St William gets going with its plans.

Part of Berkeley Group, the company is set to build thousands of homes on the former industrial complexes in the coming years.

Most recently it received planning permission to construct more than 2,150 residential properties at Bromley-By-Bow Gasworks, a 23-acre site on the River Lea, just south of Three Mills Island.

The plans include a £72million investment in the restoration of the site’s seven Grade II listed gas holders and boast extensive open space including a 4.2-acre park on the river bank.

An artist's impression of the Bromley-By-Bow Gasworks development - image by Berkeley Group
An artist’s impression of the Bromley-By-Bow Gasworks development – image by Berkeley Group

prime brownfield: Bromley-By-Bow Gasworks

“This is one of the most challenging brownfield sites in the country and transforming it into thousands of sustainable, well-connected homes and a publicly accessible 4.2-acre river front park was always going to require a unique, collaborative solution,” said St William managing director Dean Summers.

“It is a testament to our brilliant partnerships with Historic England and the London Borough Of Newham and the invaluable input we have received from residents that we have reached this milestone and that we move one step closer to realising this site’s enormous potential. 

“Private-public sector collaborations like these have never been more important as we continue to navigate challenging market conditions and work together to boost housing delivery and growth.”

The east London scheme features buildings constructed within the gas holders - image by Berkeley Group
The east London scheme features buildings constructed within the gas holders – image by Berkeley Group

from historic into the future

Regional director for Historic England in London and the South East, Tom Foxall, added: “These regeneration plans form Bromley-By-Bow Gasworks are an exemplar of how historic brownfield sites can be transformed into new developments that both help address the housing shortage and boost local economic growth, while embracing an area’s cherished heritage.”

The plans include 13 residential buildings, some of which will sit within the existing gas holder frames as well as 30,000sq ft of commercial space.

This latest scheme sits adjacent to Berkeley’s 22-year TwelveTrees Park development, which will deliver more than 3,800 homes on a site next to West Ham station and includes a new entrance to the transport hub.

A series of open spaces and parks will be created as part of the project - image by Berkeley Group
A series of open spaces and parks will be created as part of the project – image by Berkeley Group

and beyond Bromley-By-Bow Gastworks, in Stratford and Beckton…

In addition to these schemes, St William was also granted planning permission in January for the long derelict Stratford Gasworks site.

Here the developer is set to build a 245-home development, designed in partnership with Cowen + Partners and LDA Design. 

Its scheme responds to the nearby Grade II* listed Abbey Mills Pumping Station and a group of listed mid-19th century houses designed by sewer network creator Joseph Bazalgette.

St William has also submitted a planning application for Beckton Gasworks, a site close to the Thames, up the river from Royal Albert Dock.

Here the company plans to build around 2,900 new homes and more than 50,000 sq ft of commercial space on 12 hectares of land.

With permission granted for thousands of homes, buyers seeking properties on former industrial land won’t be short of choice in the coming years.

key details: Berkeley Group homes

While homes at Bromley-By-Bow Gasworks and the other industrial sites are not yet available to buy, those looking to secure a Berkeley-built property can find apartments for sale from £495,000 at TwelveTrees Park.

More information about the forthcoming schemes can be found online.

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EBRD Literature Prize unveils 2025 shortlist of translated fiction

Chair of the judging panel Maya Jaggi talks us through the initiative and details the shortlisted entries for countries the bank invests in

The EBRD Literature Prize judging panel from left, Fergal Keane, Selma Dabbagh, Uilleam Blacker and Maya Jaggi - image by Ale Di Padova/EBRD
The EBRD Literature Prize judging panel from left, Fergal Keane, Selma Dabbagh, Uilleam Blacker and Maya Jaggi – image by Ale Di Padova/EBRD

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Maya Jaggi has spent much of her career  making space for international writers in the UK.

After studying PPE at Oxford and international relations at LSE, she began her journalistic career in current affairs. 

“I was in my 20s and it was a fairly academic journal, but I started a literature section,” she said. “Whenever I was doing anything about international politics, I was always thinking about where the cultural aspects were. 

“They always make everything so much richer – history, memory and imagination are the building blocks of fiction – and that’s something that gets left out.”

It was a niche she explored in greater depth through her extensive work at The Guardian, reviewing novels by overseas authors and interviewing a great many for the publication.

Apt then, that having spent so much of her career championing writing from around the world, that she should be chair of the judging panel for this year’s European Bank For Reconstruction And Development Literature Prize.

First, a bit of background.

what is this bank?

The EBRD is owned by some 77 shareholders – namely countries spread across 5 continents as well as the EU and the European Investment Bank.

Set up in the wake of the fall of the Berlin Wall, it supports primarily private sector enterprise in democratic states, helping foster the transition to open market systems in those territories. 

While initially it was set up to support eastern European countries in the wake of the Soviet Union’s collapse, its work has since broadened and spread to more than 30 nations over three continents, with €210 billion invested in more than 7,400 projects.

In 2022, it moved its headquarters to 5 Bank Street in Canary Wharf.

A shortlist of 10 books has now been unveiled ahead of the announcement of the winner in June - image by Ale Di Padova/EBRD
A shortlist of 10 books has now been unveiled ahead of the announcement of the winner in June – image by Ale Di Padova/EBRD

tell me more about the EBRD Literature Prize

The EBRD Literature Prize was first awarded in 2018 as an initiative aimed at engaging the bank’s staff in cultural activities relevant to its work

Now in its eighth iteration, publishers are invited to submit works of fiction that have been translated into English from countries where the institution invests. 

A panel of judges then goes through these, producing a shortlist before three finalists are revealed.

The overall winning author and translator split a prize of €20,000 equally between them, while the other two finalists split awards of €4,000.

For 2025, the prizes will be awarded on June 24 at EBRD’s Canary Wharf offices.

Maya Jaggi, chair of the judges for the 2025 prize - image by Jon Massey
Maya Jaggi, chair of the judges for the 2025 prize – image by Jon Massey

who decides?

The bank invites a panel of independent judges to pick both the shortlist and the finalists.

This year Maya has been joined by writer and editor Selma Dabbagh, translator and associate professor in Ukrainian and East European culture at UCL, Uilleam Blacker and writer and foreign correspondent for BBC News, Fergal Keane.

“I was invited to be a judge two years ago, so this is my third stint and, as chair, I get to suggest people to be on the panel, which has been a great pleasure,” said Maya.

“What I wanted were good readers, experienced readers and that’s what we have.

“There’s no long list and we don’t disclose how many submissions we’ve had for the prize, although they have been growing year-on-year and 2025 has been a bumper crop. 

“All of the books go to each of the judges and we’ve been in contact with one another since December, discussing them.”

The EBRD Literature Prize judging panel hard at work - image by Ale Di Padova/EBRD
The EBRD Literature Prize judging panel hard at work – image by Ale Di Padova/EBRD

standing apart

“This is not a prize for literary translation, it’s a prize for the book,” said Maya.

“The author and translator are equally rewarded in recognition for their contribution to the work as published in English.

“As judges we’re looking for many things. You want to be surprised by something you haven’t read before and the wonderful thing about this prize is you find that in spades. 

“During the judging, Fergal mentioned vigour, quality, originality and experimentation.

“This year there has been a lot of competition for those 10 shortlist slots.

“I’m always looking for originality and therefore how much you’ve read as a critic and a writer is relevant.

“The other thing is authorial voice – whether direct or indirect. Can you sense the presence of the author?”

a skilled rendering?

“It has to be a good book, but you’re also looking for a good translator,” said Maya.

“There’s the question of all the registers – how formal or informal the language is and how well the translators get that. 

“Then there’s the whole question of slang or how dated the language is. Capturing all of that is a huge skill.

“As judges we have to consider whether a text has been flattened into uniform English. Does it capture the nuances?”

the EBRD Literature Prize, a showcase of innovation

“The nature of the prize and the countries where the Bank is investing means you find a lot of innovation,” said Maya.

“For example, where there’s a war, to capture the reality of things like bombs going off or a sense of being threatened, authors create new styles.

“In my experience, that extremis is something that comes out in new forms of writing. 

“One of the books on the shortlist, My Women by Yuliia Iliukha, has been translated from the Ukranian by Hanna Leliv and it’s something the author calls flash fiction.

“It’s formal, it’s honed, but it’s, in some way, unfiltered – more raw, more emotional. It’s about anonymous women in war, and it’s very like poetry.

“Another thing that’s going on in central and eastern Europe is a reckoning with ultra-nationalism, and that’s something we noticed as a thread through some of the books.

Celebration by Damir Karakaŝ, translated from the Croation by Ellen Elias-Bursać, is about the rise of the far right.

“It’s a subtly ironic title about the moment in 1941, when Croatia became independent for the first time in 1,000 years.

“That was the moment when, on the back of an alliance with the Nazis, it became a country – so it’s a very double-edged thing.

“There’s this thinking about history and memory. 

“It’s 30 years since the end of the Yugoslav wars and the book is looking back to the Second World War, but that kind of nationalism rose again.

“It’s another very important thread.

“While judging we talked a lot about fact and fiction.

“What you get through literature rather than through news reports may be mundane human interaction but it’s just as interesting.” 

looking forward

“The prize was set up to recognise the diversity of the cultures and languages in the places the bank operates,” said Maya.

“There’s still a competition for staff to review any book on the shortlist and we’ll be announcing the winner of that at the ceremony too.

“The EBRD isn’t just sponsoring this, it created it and it’s grown to be a prize in its own right.

“It’s important because you don’t want to think about people in mass metric or statistical terms.

“There’s nothing better than fiction for how people see themselves and their own realities – their problems, hopes and dreams.”

Read on for Maya's thoughts on the shortlisted works - image by Ale Di Padova/EBRD
Read on for Maya’s thoughts on the shortlisted works – image by Ale Di Padova/EBRD

the shortlist


The key mission of the EBRD Literature Prize is to bring works from the countries the bank invests in to wider attention.

While the winner won’t be announced until June, we’ve reproduced the full shortlist here so Wharf Life readers can peruse those in line for the prize, get hold of books that take their fancy and make their own minds up.

As Maya says: “All of them are incredibly gripping reads.”

Sons, Daughters by Ivana Bodrožić

translated from the Croatian by Ellen Elias-Bursać, published by Seven Stories Press UK

>> “This book features a character who has locked-in syndrome and her partner who is trans,” said Maya. 

“It brings up questions of sexuality and identity, with parallels between people who are locked in their own bodies in some way. 

“We were completely bowled over by the language and a very unusual subject. One of the lines is: ‘Our body, our worst hell’.”


The Ukraine by Artem Chapeye

translated from the Ukrainian by Zenia Tompkins, published by Seven Stories Press UK

>> “It’s based on a lot of real events – one of the things that’s very strong is a love of country, but it’s not at all nationalistic,” said Maya.

“He’s looking warts and all through stories – some more journalistic than others – there’s a whole range.

“There’s a moment where there’s a family argument about Russian propaganda.

“One of the tactics of propaganda is to cast doubt on everything, so you can believe nothing and therefore also believe everything.

“This kind of book is a counter to that.”


Engagement by Çiler İlhan

translated from the Turkish by Kenneth Dakan, published by Istros Books

>> “This is based on fact, but a fictionalisation of an event,” said Maya.

“It’s set in south-east Turkey and tells of a blood-feud between two villages in 2011.

“It’s a massacre during an engagement party and the author is looking at what happened and why between Kurds and Turks.

“It’s about masculinity and women’s suffering. 

“The whole novel covers just 16 hours, building up to this event.

“You learn about the repression of Kurdish culture and how Turkish is beaten into people in those parts.”


My Women by Yuliia Iliukha

translated from the Ukrainian by Hanna Leliv, published by 128 LIT

>> “This writing is very poetic, very punchy and raw and could apply to anyone,” said Maya.

“That’s something that’s accentuated by the anonymity of the women who go through their stories without being named.

“It’s looking at the experience of women in wartime and it’s very powerful.”


Life After Kafka by Magdaléna Platzová

translated from the Czech by Alex Zucker, published by Bellevue Literary Press

>> “This looks at Kafka’s real letters to ‘F’ but through the eyes of her descendants,” said Maya.

“It’s a sceptical look at the cult of Kafka from the point of view of the family of a woman who appears in his work and it looks at how women are seen in his work.

“It moves between fact and fiction, and there’s an article that tells you what’s real and what’s not.

“We were comfortable with that demarcation.”


Celebration by Damir Karakaš

translated from the Croatian by Ellen Elias-Bursać, published by Selkies House Limited

>> “This is partly about masculinity through the eyes of a man who was in the far-right militia, allied with the Nazis, and then re-emerged in the 1990s” said Maya.

“I believe this writer was a fighter himself. He has taken a look at how people were persuaded by nationalism.

“It’s also a beautifully written novel about the land, about farming, about the countryside.

“It’s an expression of love of country that is not nationalistic.”


Herscht 07769 by László Krasznahorkai

translated from the Hungarian by Ottilie Mulzet, published by New Directions Publishing

>> “This is really immersive storytelling about a character similar to Lennie in Of Mice And Men,” said Maya.

“He’s a gentle giant who becomes used by the far-right in Germany.

“He’s obsessed by quantum physics and is convinced the world is ending.

The author is incredibly stylistic in what he does with language and people will be interested in how he depicts the far-right.”

László Krasznahorkai won the Man Booker Prize in 2015


The Empusium by Olga Tokarczuk

translated from the Polish by Antonia Lloyd-Jones published by Fitzcarraldo Editions

>> “This book is set in a sanatorium or health resort in Poland,” said Maya. “It’s funny and grim, like a horror story. It’s also gothic and full of misogyny.

“There’s an afterword about where these ideas came from – a who’s who of western culture.”

Olga Tokarczuk is the winner of the Nobel Prize In Literature


Too Great A Sky by Liliana Corobca

translated from the Romanian by Monica Cure, published by Seven Stories Press UK

>> “This is fiction based on fact too, looking at something not very well known globally or even within Romania  itself,” said Maya. 

“It’s about the carving up of the country from the end of the First World War and the Sovietisation, and the deportation of many people, including women and children after the Second World War to Kazakhstan on trains, with terrible gruelling journeys.

“It’s also about syncretism between Catholicism and paganism.”


Forgottenness by Tanja Maljartschuk

translated from the Ukrainian by Zenia Tompkins, published by Bullaun Press (Ireland) / Liveright (USA) 

>> “Maljartschuk looks at two characters separated by 100 years– now and  and a century ago in Ukraine,” said Maya.

“It’s about memory and history, and the effort to obliterate history in that country.

“She writes in Ukrainian, talks about the Soviet era, the killing of history and the ban on memory.

“It’s a wonderful reactivation of the past, which becomes an act of resistance.”


key details: the EBRD Literature Prize

The winners of the EBRD Literature Prize are set to be announced at its Canary Wharf headquarters on June 24, 2025, with authors and translators in attendance.

Members of the public will be able to register to attend the reception and ceremony closer to the time.

Find out more about the prize here

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