Poplar Archives - Wharf Life

July 15, 2026July 15, 2026

Poplar Picnic set to celebrate the Festival Of Britain in east London

Event at the arts and community centre and Bartlett Park takes inspiration from the history of the Lansbury Estate

Poplar Picnic - Festival Of Britain is set to take place on August 8, 2026 - image supplied by Poplar Union — Poplar Picnic – Festival Of Britain is set to take place on August 8, 2026 – image supplied by Poplar Union

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In 1951, tens of thousands of people poured into east London to visit the Lansbury Estate.

While the attractions on the South Bank and Battersea have perhaps had the most enduring impact as the government sought to generate a sense of recovery and progress in the wake of the Second World War, Poplar played a significant role as the site of the Live Architecture Exhibition.

Built on a bomb-ravaged tract of land between East India Dock Road, the Limehouse Cut canal and what’s now the DLR to the east, the estate was planned around the idea that it should contain everything people living there needed.

As a result, new churches, schools, shops, a covered market, pubs, open spaces and an old people’s home all linked by footpaths to promote walking, were created.

Three quarters of a century ago, these were new ideas and people flocked to see the likes of Chrisp Street Market, St Mary And Joseph’s Catholic Church and Trinity Independent Chapel (now the Calvary Charismatic Baptist Church).

It’s the 75th anniversary of this influx that provides the theme for this year’s Poplar Picnic – Festival Of Britain, set to take place on August 8, 2026, in Bartlett Park and at Poplar Union.

The event, presented in partnership with Poplar HARCA, will be the culmination of a summer of activities at the arts and community centre, celebrating the history of the festival and its impact on the area.

“Poplar Picnic really serves as an open day for us – we want to make everything as approachable as possible and free wherever we can,” said Paolo Florentini, director of programming at Poplar Union, who has been working with the organisation for a decade.

“It’s showcasing what we do and it’s an opportunity for us to expand out of our venue onto the streets, the park and the canal.

“It’s bringing people here, making sure they know that they have access to this space and the opportunities it provides.

“Each year it’s a big deal for us – we’re a small team, but we are able to manage this because we’re really passionate about what we’re doing.”

Kaltrina Pashtriku, communications and engagement manager, and Paolo Florentini, director of programming, at Poplar Union - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Kaltrina Pashtriku, communications and engagement manager, and Paolo Florentini, director of programming, at Poplar Union – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

a flavour of 1951 at Poplar Picnic

This year’s event is set to feature street food, a craft market, children’s fairground rides, a games corner for kids, arts and crafts activities, face painting, paddleboarding, bubbles, candy floss and clowns on stilts.

Placing a flavour of 1951 at the very heart of the event, there will also be a recreation of the Rosie Lee Tea Tent and the Lansbury Estate’s show home.

“The refreshment space will be run by a local artist, featuring tea and cakes,” said Paolo.

“There will also be poets, recordings and a display of local history including stories for local groups about the Festival Of Britain.

“We’ll also have an artist who will be inviting people to get involved in making a structure based on the installations on the South Bank in the early 1950s.

“The idea is to remind people what the festival was about – creativity, rebuilding after the war and a positive attitude about the future.

“From August 8 people will also be able to visit the show home – a recreation of a 1951 living room, which will be in place at Poplar Union until late September.

“The Lansbury Estate has endured long after the festival ended – the clocktower and some of the local churches were a part of it.

“People don’t always realise they’re living in the middle of history, an exhibit that 86,000 people came to see.

“We’ll have four actors in the show home space and visitors will be able to watch them going about their lives in the living room.

“We’ve been buying lots of small things from eBay, like 50s chairs, toys, books and magazines, textiles, just to recreate the space.

“It will be completely transformed with period wallpaper and flooring.

“The question for us is how you respond positively to something that’s so far in the past? For me it’s about displaying spaces and welcoming communities.

“Then we can approach the past in a way that’s playful and becomes part of the story around Poplar.

“It has a wonderful history to maintain and to share with the diverse groups that live in this area today.”

Poplar Union is a base for many community activities - image supplied by Poplar Union — Poplar Union is a base for many community activities – image supplied by Poplar Union

bringing the community together

Kaltrina Pashtriku, communications and engagement manager at Poplar Union added: “This picnic brings everyone together.

“Sometimes people might not speak to their neighbours because they come from different backgrounds or feel unsafe to do so.

“But, at the picnic, everyone attending can feel free to enjoy themselves, have fun and maybe talk to somebody they don’t usually speak to.

“We are all humans, we can integrate and there is so much in Poplar that we want people to be proud of.

“With Poplar Picnic, we are celebrating the past, but also the future. I want the community to come out and really enjoy this area.”

Poplar Picnic offers a range of family-friendly attractions - image supplied by Poplar Union — Poplar Picnic offers a range of family-friendly attractions – image supplied by Poplar Union

young voices supported

Another facet to the picnic will be a space organised and curated by a group of young producers, engaged to help shape the festival and the events leading up to it.

“Inside we will be hosting an event involving 10 young adults who will run a series of different activities around the space,” said Paolo.

“They’re aged between 15 and 17 and the idea of the project is to give them an understanding of the complexity of delivering an event.

“They’re learning about things like working with artists, finances and health and safety assessments.

“It’s a complex project, because we generally don’t work with teenagers, but it is important for them to be involved in such an environment.

“Our hope is that we can collaborate with them again in the future.

“As part of this, they’re being mentored by singer songwriter Greentea Peng who has been working with Poplar Union for some time now.

“Her contribution is mostly around teaching them to create a space and what’s involved with that.

“She’s been very supportive in making sure that they understand timing, ensuring the stage is full and the need to plan for what happens if an artist doesn’t turn up or something else unexpected happens – all the minor details you need to consider to make an event successful.”

St Mary And Joseph’s Catholic Church - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — St Mary And Joseph’s Catholic Church – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

key details: Poplar Picnic – Festival Of Britain

Poplar Picnic – Festival Of Britain is set to take place on August 8, 2026, at Poplar Union and in Bartlett Park from 11am-5pm.

The event is free to visit and suitable for the whole family. There’s no need to book

You can find full details of the event and other happenings at Poplar Union via this link

Trinity Independent Chapel (now the Calvary Charismatic Baptist Church) - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Trinity Independent Chapel (now the Calvary Charismatic Baptist Church) – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

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July 3, 2026July 3, 2026

Heron Wharf unveils The Riverside Club residents’ facilities

Berkeley Capital has completed the full suite of amenities at its Poplar development including pools, a screening room and a gym

The main pool at The Riverside Club, now open at Heron Wharf - image supplied by Berkeley Capital — The main pool at The Riverside Club, now open at Heron Wharf – image supplied by Berkeley Capital

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Seeing is believing. But so is touching and feeling.

This is why the completion of on-site amenities at developments can be such a key asset when appealing to buyers.

Rather than relying on computer generated promises, the ability to actually walk into and experience the facilities you’re investing in is an attractive prospect in a competitive market.

With that in mind, Berkeley Group’s Heron Wharf scheme on the River Lea is now at an advantage.

The development has just unveiled The Riverside Club – an extensive suite of residents’ amenities extending to some 16,000sq ft.

Spread over two levels, these include a 20m swimming pool, a separate vitality pool, a sauna, a steam room and a chamber lined with Himalayan pink salt.

There’s also an extensive gym, a screening room, a games room and a residents’ lounge.

The finish is akin to a high-end spa, a five-star hotel and a luxury cinema.

The development now has a fully equipped games room - image supplied by Berkeley Capital — The development now has a fully equipped games room – image supplied by Berkeley Capital

an extensive suite of amenities at Heron Wharf

“It’s quite a collection,” said Luke Treadwell, sales and marketing director for Berkeley Capital.

“Heron Wharf is a development where we’re selling a lifestyle.

“With Berkeley as a brand, you’re very much buying into what you can do on-site – rather than having to leave the area to go to the gym or swim, we have the facilities here for people to do that, but also to congregate and to work.”

The company is currently marketing one, two and three-bedroom apartments at the scheme in newly completed buildings The Millhouse and The Heron Collection.

These feature open-plan living areas, fully fitted kitchens with Bosch appliances and private balconies.

The blocks are located in a richly landscaped site on the edge of the River Lea with a concierge service to look after residents’ needs.

However, it’s the newly opened communal facilities that add a carousel of further selling points.

The salt room offer a space to relax - image supplied by Berkeley Capital — The salt room offer a space to relax – image supplied by Berkeley Capital

proudly front and centre

“We specialise in large regeneration schemes, but what we’ve done with The Riverside Club is a step up on anything else we’re offering across the group at the moment,” said Lyndon Nunn, divisional sales and marketing director at Berkeley Capital.

“The facilities aren’t in a basement – we’ve put the pools on the first floor so they get lots of natural light and the benefit of the views over the park and the river.

“The residents who are now using the club have been absolutely blown away by it and that demonstrates why it’s so important for us to put in these staple offerings this early in a scheme.

“The people who are already living here bought into Berkeley’s vision for the site early on, when all they could see were computer generated images of what it would be like.

“We think it looks even better now it’s finished.

“They can now come into the spaces, touch them and feel the quality of the finishes.

“These are absolutely world class facilities and we know that word-of mouth from those who experience them will amplify that message.

“As a brand, it’s vital for us that people see not only the fact that we deliver what we say we will, but that we exceed those expectations.

“We’ve put these facilities in, despite only having a comparatively small number of homes on site right now, but we think that’s an important part of establishing this development for the months and years to come.

“That way residents get the benefit quicker.”

The complex features a comfy screening room - image supplied by Berkeley Capital — The complex features a comfy screening room – image supplied by Berkeley Capital

depth beyond the pools at The Riverside Club

While the showstopper attraction at The Riverside Club is clearly its pools and poolside area, which come complete with plenty of relaxing loungers, there’s depth to the offering too.

The fitness facilities are decked out with TechnoGym equipment found in luxury health clubs and the screening room and games room are both slickly appointed.

“We’re always thinking about how people will come together and actually use these spaces,” said Luke.

“A big part of what Berkeley does is place making to help foster that sense of community we know our residents want.

“At Heron Wharf we wanted to ensure we weren’t just offering something buyers could find elsewhere and I think we’ve achieved that.”

The group’s next focus is on the commercial offering at Heron Wharf with the business hoping to attract core amenities to operate alongside the on-site Sainsbury’s Local.

Heron Wharf is located on the River Lea to the north-east of Aberfeldy Village in Poplar.

The scheme is about 13 minutes’ walk to East India DLR station and roughly 20 minutes from Canning Town station.

It is also linked to Canary Wharf via the D8 bus. Alternatively, it takes about 15 minutes to cycle to the estate or nine minutes to drive.

Plans have now been submitted to build a bridge over the Lea as part of the development, which should further improve connectivity in the coming years.

Residents can work from The Riverside Club's lounge - image supplied by Berkeley Capital — Residents can work from The Riverside Club’s lounge – image supplied by Berkeley Capital

key details: Heron Wharf

Apartments at Heron Wharf start at £455,000 with one, two and three-bedroom properties available.

You can find out more about the development here

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July 25, 2025July 25, 2025

Heron Wharf unveils apartments for sale at The Millhouse

The last building in Berkeley Capital’s development on the west bank of the River Lea also includes residents facilities plus Canary Wharf views

An artist's impression of Heron Wharf - image by Berkeley Group — An artist’s impression of Heron Wharf – image by Berkeley Group

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“What will be here in the future is going to be fantastic,” said Luke Tredwell, sales and marketing director at Berkeley Capital.

“We are in an area where everything is coming together to create huge transformation, with thousands of homes and thousands of jobs.”

The part of east London he’s talking about is the corridor leading up the River Lea to Stratford where big plans are afoot.

While the city historically turned its back on the waterway as industrial transportation became the dominant activity along its length, developers are now seeing the capital’s second largest river as a prime asset.

When completed, the various schemes will see many new residents living on its banks, joining up the likes of East India, Canning Town, Bromley-By-Bow and West Ham.

What’s coming is important. Canny buyers will know that considering the future of a place when deciding where to invest is vital.

Understanding a development’s wider context is just as important as assessing the amenities it provides and those in the immediate area.

This brings us to Heron Wharf by Berkeley.

Formerly known as Poplar Riverside, the scheme has been given a fresh identity to help bring clarity to what it offers, rather than simply naming where it is.

The development is in a strong position – the first two buildings in its initial phase have been well received and it recently launched The Millhouse, offering 92 one and two-bedroom apartments for private sale.

A show apartment at the development - image by Berkeley Group — A show apartment at the development – image by Berkeley Group

creating community at Heron Wharf

“This is the last opportunity to buy a home in the first phase of Heron Wharf,” said Luke.

“The first two buildings are just completing and this is an exciting time as people start living here and forming a community.

“The Millhouse will be a really great addition because it includes a 20m swimming pool, spa, gym and a special salt room on its lower levels that are due to open next year.”

The sales launch of this latest block coincides with the unveiling of some 1.5 acres of Heron Wharf’s park.

This first phase includes expansive green space with views over the Lea and plans to retain part of an historic gasholder as a link to the site’s industrial past.

When complete, the finished 2,900-home scheme will see the park extend to 2.5 acres.

With swathes of planting and landscaping, the scheme has already had a big impact on local wildlife with a plan to increase biodiversity by 545%.

“That’s reflected in the name of Heron Wharf,” said Luke.

“It’s aspirational and, because this scheme is of a substantial size, it’s easier to have a greater impact on the environment.”

An artist's impression of the residents' pool at the development, which is on the first floor of The Millhouse building - image by Berkeley Group — An artist’s impression of the residents’ pool at the development, which is on the first floor of The Millhouse building – image by Berkeley Group

services and amenities

The development will also provide a concierge service, a co-working space, a cinema room and a games room in addition to the exercise and wellbeing facilities at the Riverside Club.

In the 79,000sq ft of retail space on-site, residents can also look forward to using local shops, cafes, bars, restaurants, a supermarket and a crèche

But what can buyers at The Millhouse look forward to in the properties themselves?

“They have fantastic layouts, often with amazing views over the park, the river and towards Canary Wharf,” said Luke.

“Depending on what a buyer wants to get from the building, there will be a home in it for them.”

The apartments feature open-plan design and come with private balconies.

Buyers can expect integrated Bosch appliances in the kitchens, white sanitaryware and black fittings in the bathrooms and carpeted sleeping areas with built-in wardrobes for the main bedrooms.

Luke Tredwell, sales and marketing director at Berkeley Capital - image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life — Luke Tredwell, sales and marketing director at Berkeley Capital – image by Jon Massey / Wharf Life

Heron Wharf – well connected

Luke said: “The Millhouse marks the end of the beginning of a new way of living in east London.

“With serene green views, premium wellness facilities and the River Lea on the doorstep, the neighbourhood offers residents a unique blend of tranquillity and city connectivity.

“Heron Wharf continues to evolve into one of London’s most exciting new addresses and The Millhouse is right at its heart.”

Heron Wharf is located within about 10 minutes’ walk of East India DLR station, with Canning Town station a little further away.

Both offer rapid access to Canary Wharf, the city and other destinations across east London.

Those who prefer to get about on their own could opt to walk to the Wharf in less than 30 minutes of go by bike in around a quarter of an hour.

A series of bridges planned to cross the River Lea should improve pedestrian and cycle links in the area still further, allowing access to local amenities such as ecological regeneration project Cody Dock, which is just over the water.

In the immediate area, Aberfeldy Village, London City Island, Goodluck Hope and Trinity Buoy Wharf all offer amenities and places to eat and drink.

Further afield, residents can also easily access the likes of Stratford, the Wharf, the Isle Of Dogs and Greenwich as well as plentiful open spaces such as Tower Hamlets Cemetery Park and Royal Docks without having to travel very far.

It’s a place well worth checking out.

Apartments at The Millhouse come with private balconies - image by Berkeley Group — Apartments at The Millhouse come with private balconies – image by Berkeley Group

key details: The Millhouse at Heron Wharf

Homes at Heron Wharf are currently on sale with prices ranging from £455,000 to £930,000. Some are ready to move into now.

One and two-bedroom apartments at The Millhouse are expected to complete in May 2026 with prices starting at £460,000.

All apartments come with a 999-year lease.

Find out more about the development here

This is an opportunity to help shape the community at Heron Wharf as it forms - image by Berkeley Group — This is an opportunity to help shape the community at Heron Wharf as it forms – image by Berkeley Group

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May 14, 2025May 14, 2025

Poplar Union seeks traders for Cotall Street Market in east London

The arts and community space is set to launch a new venture on the northern edge of Bartlett Park

Poplar Union is set to launch a street market in Cotall Street to support its work - image by Jon Massey — Poplar Union is set to launch a street market in Cotall Street to support its work – image by Jon Massey

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On the northern edge of Bartlett Park, running along the edge of the Limehouse Cut canal, sits a vacant stretch of land.

This length of Cotall Street is fully pedestrianised – an expanse of under-used space paved in grey stone with its own waterside benches.

For nearby arts and community space, Poplar Union, it’s also an opportunity.

The charity is in the process of setting up a new market with the aim of providing extra income for its operations and a platform for entrepreneurs and creatives on a weekly basis.

“For many people in this area it’s difficult to get to a market, so why not have our own,” said Nahimul Islam, director of commercial enterprise at Poplar Union, who is leading the project.

“This organisation is a charity, but we have to think of ourselves as a sustainable business.

“Much of what we deliver is free of charge or heavily subsidised and it’s challenging to meet our costs and maintain the building.

“So we decided to come up with creative ideas to bring in revenue.

“It’s a win-win situation, with the income generated going straight back into the community.”

The market will feature food, drink, arts, crafts and entertainment, all beside the canal - image Poplar Union — The market will feature food, drink, arts, crafts and entertainment, all beside the canal – image Poplar Union

a new market supporting Poplar Union

Cotall Street Market is expected to soft launch in June, 2025, with an official opening later in the summer.

It will take place during the day on Saturdays, with an ambition to offer food, drink, fresh produce and arts and crafts as well as entertainment to local residents.

It’s currently inviting traders who would like to participate to get in touch as it works up to opening.

“We want to make this a vibrant, community-driven market for entrepreneurs – established, brand new and aspiring,” said Nahimul.

“We’re creating a platform where people will trade for themselves while also supporting the community – a place for them to share their culture and experiences.

“I’d love to have different sections of the market – hot food, cold food, fresh produce and a massive craft section for artists to showcase their work.

“I’m a great believer in that because everyone’s work has a story and having the creator there to tell it is so important.

“We also want lots of music, for the market to be multicultural and diverse – a place where people feel at home.

“It’s a form of education really – a place to try food from different cultures and learn about what ingredients, spices and cooking methods people use.”

Poplar Union’s director of commercial enterprise, Nahimul Islam – image by Jon Massey

a business mindset

Nahimul himself has experience as an entrepreneur.

Born in Wapping, with a background in youth work, he co-founded Muscle Basin gym in Shadwell, which has since relocated to Stratford.

As such he’s clearly passionate about using his experience and skills to help others create businesses and to help other organisations.

“I realised community groups and charities were really struggling to generate income,” he said.

“Relying on grants isn’t always the best way to progress, so I reinvented myself to help them build revenues.

“I’ve been working with Poplar Union for a year now and am looking forward to growing its income.

“We want people to travel from afar to check this market out – for it to become a place that’s talked about.

“Then we want its expansion to be organic.

“The park is a great space – people will be able to get their food and then enjoy it on the grass and there aren’t many places you can do that around here.

“Tower Hamlets hasn’t always been seen as the greatest place to live in London, but I’m sure the outlook and vibe we create with this market will help to change what people think.

“In the future, we also plan to host events at Poplar Union when the market is on – we want people to come inside and enjoy what’s on offer here, to take part in the free and subsidised activities.

“We want as many people as possible to discover us and what we offer, to come and use this space.

“We’re trying to break down financial barriers, providing things that people may not be able to afford like music lessons, so we want them to be subsidised.

fostering ambition

As part of the Cotall Street Market plans, Nahimul and the team are also seeking sponsors to support pitches at the market for young entrepreneurs.

“It’s important that we look to the new generation to make their futures brighter,” said Nahimul.

“We’d love to create a section of the market for young people to come and trade for free – an entrepreneurial hub for local people.

“We’re looking for support to help establish that and would love to hear from businesses and organisations.”

key details: Cotall Street Market by Poplar Union

Poplar Union plans to host Cotall Street Market weekly on Saturdays from 10am to 4pm. Pitch prices will vary by space between £50 and £125 depending on size and service requirements.

There is some degree of flexibility on rates for new ventures.

The charity is currently welcoming expressions of interest from food vendors, artists and makers, suppliers of fresh produce and local businesses and community groups that would like to get involved.

The aim is to open the market for a soft launch on June 14, 2025, with an official opening later in the summer.

Find out more about the plans here

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February 22, 2025February 22, 2025

Poplar Riverside delivers shared ownership homes by the Lea

Housing association Poplar HARCA is marketing a collection of 96 affordable apartments at the east London development by Berkeley Homes

Poplar Riverside is located within walking distance of Canary Wharf – image by Simon Taylor / simontaylorphoto.com

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Housing association Poplar HARCA is currently marketing a selection of 96 shared ownership properties on the west bank of the River Lea in east London.

The apartments form part of the wider Poplar Riverside development, which is currently under construction by Berkeley Homes and will eventually see 2,800 residences built on the site of a former gasworks.

Plans for the 20-acre site include a new one-hectare park with green spaces, play areas and extensive landscaping, commercial space for businesses and amenities, a freshly cleared riverside walk and a secondary school.

Poplar HARCA’s collection of one and two-bedroom apartments are spread across three buildings at the development.

Prospective buyers can expect open-plan living areas, fully fitted kitchens with Bosch appliances, rainfall showers in the bathrooms, underfloor heating, fitted window coverings and private outdoor spaces.

The apartments feature open-plan design - image by Simon Taylor / simontaylorphoto.com — The apartments feature open-plan design – image by Simon Taylor / simontaylorphoto.com

facilities at Poplar Riverside

But Poplar Riverside offers buyers more besides what’s in their own property.

Residents will enjoy access to The Riverside Club, with planned facilities including a 20m swimming pool, jacuzzi and spa, a lounge area, co-working spaces, a games room and a private cinema.

“There are many reasons why buyers should consider looking to secure an apartment at east London’s Poplar Riverside,” said Helen Mason, head of sales and marketing at Poplar HARCA.

“The developer, Berkeley Homes Group, is an award-winning company with 40 years of experience and a proven history of delivering exceptional places for people to live, work and enjoy, with sustainability in mind.

“Poplar HARCA is an award-winning Housing Association in east London, helping to create a place where people, communities and business grow and thrive.

“Our sales team takes pride in making shared ownership simple and straight forward with our staff on hand throughout your journey to make it stress-free.

“Being a shared owner is one of the most flexible ways on the market to make your home your own.”

Location is of key importance to buyers and Poplar Riverside’s situation places it at the heart of widespread local regeneration.

It’s well located for East India DLR station as well as the Jubilee Line, DLR and bus services at Canning Town.

Canary Wharf is less than 30 minutes’ walk or a 10-minute bike ride.

Just across the Lea, ecological regeneration project Cody Dock is working to understand and boost local wildlife.

There are plans for three bridges in the area to increase connection across the water and shorten travel times to public transport stops.

Prices for shared ownership properties start at £105,000 for a 25% share of a one-bed based on a full market value of £420,000.

Two-beds start at £117,500 based on a full value of £470,000.

Assuming buyers purchase with a 95% mortgage that could mean 5% deposits on those properties of £5,250 and £5,875 respectively.

Poplar HARCA is offering one and two-bedroom properties at Poplar Riverside - image by Simon Taylor / simontaylorphoto.com — Poplar HARCA is offering one and two-bedroom properties at Poplar Riverside – image by Simon Taylor / simontaylorphoto.com

key details: Poplar Riverside

Poplar HARCA has two show flats for prospective buyers to view in two blocks at Poplar Riverside. For more information or to register your interest, email

sales.enquiries@poplarharca.co.uk or call 020 7538 6460.

Find out more about the homes here

Read Wharf Life’s e-edition here

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September 10, 2024September 10, 2024

Boat Sales by Aquavista offers vessels with permanent moorings

How marina operator has a wealth of boats for sale in Limehouse and Poplar that are ready to move onto

Image shows house boats on residential moorings at Limehouse Marina — Fancy living here? Boat Sales by Aquavista can help those seeking a permanent mooring a Limehouse Marina

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“Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing–absolutely nothing–half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats”.

So says the Water Rat to Mole in Kenneth Grahame’s classic The Wind In The Willows.

It’s a quote that would well resonate with Richard Hogarth, broker at Boat Sales by Aquavista.

The company operates and manages the largest group of inland marinas in the UK, including Limehouse Basin and the joint waterways of Poplar Dock Marina and Blackwall Basin in east London.

But it also sells vessels, complete with residential moorings, for those seeking a life afloat.

“I’ve always been involved with boats from about the age of five onwards,” said Richard.

“I grew up in a tiny village between Fleetwood and Lancaster near the coast and friends of mine went sailing, so I started racing at the age of 10, going on to compete nationally.”

While pursuing a career in automotive sales, Richard continued sailing in his leisure time so, having spent some time living with his family in Paris, it was a natural move to join Aquavista on their return to the UK.

“That was about four years ago when the company was starting up its Boat Sales operation and I’ve found I really enjoyed working with boats as well as sailing them as a leisure activity,” he said. “You meet a fascinating variety of people.

“Last year I sold £6.5million worth of boats and we’re already on track to supersede that this financial year.

“We’ve progressed from selling just used boats to marketing new ones – I thoroughly enjoy it and it’s led me in a roundabout way to get involved in the design of them too.”

Image shows broker at Boat Sales By Aquavista, Richard Hogarth. A man with short grey hair wearing a blue polo shirt — Broker at Boat Sales By Aquavista, Richard Hogarth

a lifestyle choice

Boat Sales by Aquavista currently has vessels available for between £33,000 and £297,500 at its east London marinas – but what’s really involved on giving up life on dry land for the water?

“It’s really a lifestyle choice, a bit of an adventure,” said Richard. “It’s not really an economic decision.

“First and foremost, living on a boat is something very different.

“But at our marinas you’ve got all the features and benefits of life ashore as well as the excitement of being able to move around and the wonderful floating communities of Limehouse and Poplar.

“People buy boats here from all over the world – we’ve sold them to clients from Australia, America, Canada and France over the last 12 months alone.”

Image shows house boats moored at Poplar Marina in Blackwall with residential tower blocks in the background — Aquavista also operates Poplar Marina in Blackwall

the practicalities: Boat Sales by Aquavista

But what about the practicalities – what kind of lifestyle and costs can those who opt to live on a boat expect?

“Driven by the pandemic, with people sitting at home and thinking about alternatives, continuous cruising in London has exploded,” said Richard.

“That’s where people sail up and down the canals, moving every two weeks.

“That really is a lifestyle decision, given the practicalities and you have to want to do it.

“Having a residential mooring in a marina is different and we’ve seen an increased demand for it.

“The only way to get a boat into our London marinas is to buy one that already has a mooring.

“We’re massively over-subscribed and Limehouse is the most central marina in the capital where you can live full time on a residential mooring.

“St Katherine Docks, for example, only has leisure moorings.”

Image shows a bedroom aboard a house boat at Limehouse Marina — Many house boats feature chic interiors and are ready to move onto

a permanent home

While buying a boat and hoping for a slot is a non-starter, the existing moorings are transferable with vessels already moored at Aquavista’s facilities and there are plenty of new and used craft on the market to consider.

A mooring in a marina also takes the headache out of searching for services while cruising.

Richard said: “With us, your boat literally plugs into the mains and tap water is supplied.

“We have a laundry room for boat owners, toilet and shower suites and we take people’s post to a letter box on your pontoon.

“Our facilities are accessible 24-hours and we have a parcel room as well to take in deliveries.

“We sell used boats and new ones that are 70ft long and 12ft 6” wide so there’s plenty of space inside.

“What is refreshing is that more people buying boats here are actually using their boats, going out on the canal network and enjoying them, and that’s good to see.

“One of the benefits of Aquavista is that we have a reciprocal mooring scheme where boats can book into other marinas at no extra cost around the country.

“Your mooring back home stays empty and ready for you when you return.”

In addition to the cost of the boat, buyers pay 7.5% (plus VAT) as a one-off fee to take over the mooring. They’ll also need a survey to assess the craft’s condition.

Ongoing costs for owners include an annual mooring fee based on the size of the boat (£14,522 for a £33,000 narrowboat, for example) and council tax in Band A.

Other costs to consider are regular blacking to protect the hull, boat insurance and the cost of a safety certificate.

Image shows a master bedroom in a newly built house boat at Limehouse Marina, for sale with Boat Sales by Aquavista — Prospective buyers can tour boats at Limehouse Marina on September 14

catch Boat Sales by Aquavista’s Limehouse Open Day

For those interested in learning more, Boat Sales by Aquavista is set to host an Open Day at Limehouse Marina on September 14, 2024.

Running from 10am-5pm Richard and staff from Aquavista will be on hand to talk visitors through the process of buying and owning a boat in east London.

“People can just drop-in, but we’d love them to get in touch beforehand so we can find out what they’re potentially interested in and make their visit as relevant as possible,” he said.

“There are so many options.

“If I was a single man, I’d probably just be looking at narrowboats.

“I also love the new wide-beam boats we have for sale – they come with everything.

“You can just move on board and get on with your life just as you would in an apartment.

“Also the charm of the Dutch barges – some of which are more than 100 years old – is compelling.

“They have so much history associated with them and many have been beautifully fitted out.”

A Greenwich house boat moored at Limehouse Marina, available through Boar Sales by Aquavista

case study: new boats at Limehouse and Poplar Marinas

Guide: £297,500

Boat Sales by Aquavista is currently selling a number of new boats that come with residential moorings in east London.

These 70ft, wide beam barges come with two bedrooms, a bathroom with shower and bath and an expansive, open-plan living area.

Built by Waterspace Living, the Greenwich boasts the kind of interior features usually found in luxury apartments such as a wine cooler, underfloor heating in the bathroom and a skylight to flood the craft with natural light.

Viewing is highly recommended.

Image shows the interior of a Greenwich house boat on sale with Boat Sales by Aquavista — The wide beam barge offers plenty of living space

key details: Boat Sales by Aquavista

Keen to view? Richard and his team will happily show prospective buyers the options at Limehouse and Poplar Marinas by appointment.

Call 020 7308 9930 or email richard.h@aquavista.com to arrange a viewing.

Find out more about buying a boat with a permanent London mooring here

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- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com

January 26, 2023February 8, 2023

Poplar: How Canary Wall is offering climbing sessions from £6 near Westferry DLR

London Climbing Centres’ east London bouldering facility includes a training room and Yoga studio

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“New climbers are always surprised by the warmth of the climbing community – spend an evening on the mats and, if you’re ready for a chat, after an hour you’ll have made a bunch of friends,” said Sara Petersen, manger of London Climbing Centres’ (LCC) Canary Wall.

Located near Westferry DLR station under a series of railway arches, the facility offers an extensive range of bouldering walls including one outdoors.

There’s also a training room, a Yoga studio, a cafe and a gear shop on-site.

Bouldering is a sub discipline where climbers take on short, often demanding challenges using holds on walls that are less than four metres high.

Deep crash mats underneath provide safety instead of ropes and harnesses, allowing complete freedom of movement.

Fitness-wise, climbing offers a comprehensive all-body workout helping to build strength, flexibility and endurance.

Then there’s the mental challenge of working out the best ways to move to reach the top.

The complexity of the challenges, which are typically colour-coded and graded for difficulty, also has another benefit.

“In bouldering, climbs are trickier, both physically and mentally, to complete than in roped climbing,” said Sara.

“That’s why we call them ‘problems’. You’ll need to rest and assess each climb before tackling it, which is when conversations with those around you typically strike up.

“Usually you’ll end up working out the problem together.”

To help foster that community Canary Wall, which opened its doors in August 2020, offers a calendar packed with social climbs, induction sessions and friendly competitions.

“For work colleagues and businesses, the centre also offers social events, team building and corporate membership deals.

Sara said: “We’re always thrilled to introduce climbing to those who’ve never tried it before.

“It’s always so exciting to watch someone discover their new favourite sport during their first ever climb and know that we’ve helped grow the community just that little bit more.”

Standard adult day passes at Canary Wall cost £15 at peak times, £11 for off-peak and £6 for super off-peak (9am-11am on Sundays).

First-time climbers receive a discount card that can be used to claim 50% off a second visit and half price shoe hire, a five-entry pass for £47 including shoe hire and 10% off climbing shoes at LCC shops.

Monthly memberships cover access to all walls run by LCC with prices for off-peak deals starting at £55.

Punch card packs are also available with £240 for 20 climbs, bringing the price down to £12 per session.

Canary Wall, which is located on Trinidad Street in Poplar, is open weekdays 6am-11pm and 9am-9pm at weekends.

Canary Wall is located under a series of railway arches

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- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com

January 13, 2023January 13, 2023

Poplar: How SJ Cycles brings bike maintenance right to its customers

Stefan Johnson created a pedal-powered business to help encourage people to care for their rides

SJ Cycles founder Stefan Johnson – image Matt Grayson

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Stefan Johnson cuts an athletic figure on his cargo bike.

Sourced from a Danish company via the Netherlands, it has to be robust to carry the 60kg of equipment and tools he uses for business.

Raised in Mile End and Forest Gate, the east Londoner created SJ Cycles to bring bike repairs, care and servicing to clients at their convenience via the power of his legs.

“I’m trying to encourage people to maintain their bikes more often,” he said.

“A lot of people run their bikes into the ground and then have big bills of £200 or £300 or they just buy new ones, which can also cost them a lot of money.

“I’m trying to offer something in between – there are benefits to the customer and to the environment.

“Depending on usage, having a service every six to eight months and cleaning the bike makes a big difference.

“It’s not just about how your bike looks. Grit and muck on the road can get into the mechanics – the chain, the braking system – and it slowly wears away the metal.

“That can cause long-term damage, which equals new parts and that means big bills.

“It’s also wasteful, so I’m trying to prevent that happening – maintaining your bike more often will save you money.”

Stefan originally wanted to be a car mechanic before turning to bikes – image Matt Grayson

Stefan began riding himself while studying car maintenance at Hackney Community College – now part of New City College.

“I was planning on being a car mechanic, and after four years of study I went into an apprenticeship, but unfortunately I didn’t find any opportunities in that industry,” he said.

“Instead I got my first job as a sales assistant at my local bike shop – Halfords.

“There was a mechanic there who was willing to teach me after hours about working on bikes so that’s how I started.”

Stefan went on to work at a number of independent bike shops but felt he was often recruited in a bid to broaden their customer base as they attempted to attract customers from a wider range of backgrounds.

A pattern of mistreatment and broken promises left him wondering what to do.

“Being a Christian, I decided to pray about it and start again,” he said.

“Was I going to accept this behaviour in the industry or would I set new standards?

“I took a positive leap to be passionate about what I’m doing without sacrificing my humanity.

“My faith definitely played a big part in that.

“I knew about 10% I could get to the point of launching SJ Cycles – making a Facebook page, announcing I was doing it.

Stefan carries all the equipment he needs with him on a custom cargo bike – image Matt Grayson

“The other 90% was faith that I could sustain it, live off it and make it a part of my life.

“Even though I had less confidence in myself and more confidence in God, I took it forward, made it happen and I’m here now.

“I’d started working as a bike courier, which was a very flexible thing to do and allowed me to make enough money to live on.

“It was very hard work but it made the money so I could buy all the tools and equipment to start the business in 2017.”

Stefan offers a general Tune-Up Service for £45, which lasts about an hour and a half and includes diagnostic checks, brakes and gears tuning, tyre maintenance and a deep clean of the frame and various systems, delivered either at a client’s home or office as convenient.

SJ Cycles also offers a Puncture Repair Service for £25, which includes a new inner tube and the option to be taught how to change one.

While merchandise is also available online, world domination is not on the agenda.

“I’m a very simple man, so I’m not looking to be a big entrepreneur and expand with different branches and many employees around London,” said Stefan.

“This business is about encouraging people to maintain their bikes more, for me to live off it and remain in east London, take care of my wife and earn a modest living to make it sustainable.

“If anyone needs support in maintaining their bike, I post a lot of tips on Facebook and Instagram, such as advice on security.

“That’s just to let people know that when they own a bike they’re not alone and can talk to me about it on social media.

“I would definitely encourage people to get a bike.

Stefan can service bikes at customers’ homes or offices – image Matt Grayson

“It’s very convenient – one purchase, you buy your bike and you can go wherever you want. It’s great for fitness as well.

“You can jump on a bus and pay, but for some people – when you add that up – it’s as much as a bike over one year.

“I understand why people may be hesitant, because of the infrastructure of the roads, which may not be the safest, but it’s come a long way since I started.

“Then I didn’t have a lot of confidence in my abilities, but I was very aware of my surroundings, how the traffic flows and where to position myself – my confidence grew over time – it became quite natural to me.

“I do ride for pleasure but it depends on how much I’m working – the business can be quite busy, especially in the summertime.

“After a day of working on people’s bikes I like to go skateboarding, which is my second hobby, as well as bouldering – indoor climbing.

“I’m quite a physical person, so the bikes I ride aren’t electric – that and having a strong metabolism, definitely doesn’t make the food bills easy.”

SJ Cycles’ services can be booked online via the business’ Facebook page.

You can find “the mobile bike mechanic that’s always on the move” on both Facebook and Instagram @sjcycleslondon.

He offers a range of services to help people keep their bikes in order – image Matt Grayson

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- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com

September 29, 2022September 29, 2022

Poplar: How London Firefighter tells the story of Stephen Dudeney’s 31-year career

Book by former borough commander for Tower Hamlets and Hackney is available now

Firefighter Stephen Dudeney has published a book about his 31-year career

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There’s a circle to this story – it begins and ends with the printed word.

Stephen Dudeney grew up in Poplar, just down the road from its fire station.

As a boy in the 1970s, he was fascinated with the fire engines, even chasing them on his bike when he was old enough to ride.

“I loved them,” he said. “When I was about 12 I started going to the big library in Mile End to look at picture books full of them.

“Then, one day, I saw a book with a really bright cover – loads of flames and fire engines. I pulled it off the shelf, and it was just full of text.

“I was disappointed, but I started reading it and found I quite liked it.”

It was an encounter that fed what was already a growing passion and Gordon Honeycombe’s Red Watch about firefighers in Paddingtonand Denis Smith’s Report From Engine Co. 82 about a fire crew in New York added further fuel to the flames.

Stephen said: “Gordon, who was then an ITN newsreader, had done a lot of charity work with the London Fire Brigade, and his book was a best-seller.

“It’s known as the book that launched a thousand careers because a lot of people – a bit older than me – had read it and decided to join.”

While Stephen had always been fascinated by fires, once harassing his dad to take him to see a big blaze in Wapping, his journey to becoming a firefighter really began aged 14 when he and a friend volunteered to help out at Poplar fire station.

“We turned up on bonfire night because we knew it would be busy and offered to make the tea and cook some dinner for them,” he said.

“We both expected them to tell us to go away. I remember them saying ‘Thank you very much’ and we were expecting a ‘but’.

“Instead, they said: ‘We’d love you to. Come on Thursday night, about six’. So we did.

“It was a different time, that’s not something that could happen now – just imagine, an unaccompanied 14-year-old at the station.

“Looking back, I expect they thought I was a poor kid, which I wasn’t really.

“I don’t think they thought I’d end up as a firefighter – I probably didn’t seem intelligent to them.

“But I’d join in with all the banter and I used to go down the pub with them – fancy being given a pint at that age.

“It was a good time. It changed me at school too – I started using that banter at school and the other kids probably thought I was a bit of a live wire.

“I was probably fairly bright and had been doing well with my studies but I know I was a bit of a disappointment to my parents because, having been put in the advanced classes with good reports, at that time I decided I didn’t need to worry about all that because I was going to be a fireman.”

Stephen joined the brigade in 1987, with his first shift the day after the King’s Cross fire that claimed the lives of 31 people.

His 31-year career saw him serve at all the fire stations in Tower Hamlets, rising first to training officer and then station officer before going on to become station commander and then borough commander for Hackney in 2013.

Then, as Tower Hamlets had been placed in special measures, he returned to the area where it all began for him, finishing his career as borough commander in 2018, based at the new Millwall Fire Station on the Isle Of Dogs.

London Firefighter is available from Amazon, priced £11.99

While that completed the circle career-wise for Stephen, he’s since gone one step further, publishing London Firefighter, a book that aims to give readers a sense of the evolution of the London Fire Brigade during his more than three decades of service.

“The changes have been massive over that time,” he said. “When I joined, it was still very much the fire brigade of the post-war era.

“The big changes came through the 1990s and into the 2000s, and it’s now completely unrecognisable.

“We used to do a lot more of a lot less – it was fires, car crashes and the occasional flood.

“When you look at what’s done now – all sorts of things such as water rescue and animal rescue – the firefighters have got equipment and procedures that are so different.

“If I’d joined in 1957 and left in 1987, I would have recognised everything.

“Leaving in 2018, the only thing that was the same, was the water and the hoses. I hope this book shines a light on the modern brigade and how firefighting is a bit of London history.

“I want people to come away thinking we’re not a bad bunch.

“I’d always had the idea that I wanted to write a book and I’d kept notes over the years – moving files over from computer to computer.

“Then, when I retired, I thought I would do something about it.”

While the book offers vivid first-hand accounts of what it was like for Stephen to tackle ferocious fires up close, it also offers a wider perspective on the sheer complexity of organising the service and its multitude of functions.

For example, during his career Stephen played his part in the response to such major incidents as the 1996 Docklands bombing by the IRA at South Quay on the Isle Of Dogs and the Buncefield fire – the biggest incident of its kind in peacetime Europe – when an oil storage facility exploded in 2005.

“You expect to see and experience some things as a firefighter,” he said.

“I was called out to Grenfell Tower and it remains the worst thing I’ve ever seen.

“From a mental health point of view, I’ve largely survived the fire brigade in terms of the awful things that I saw over the years, but Grenfell really affected me.

“Since I left the service, I’ve started a company that consults and advises on fire safety and I was recently on my way to do a survey of a building when I passed the tower.

“I thought I was OK, seeing it again, but later on I couldn’t get it off my mind.

“Even though I wasn’t there over the night, when it was at its worst, it’s had a tangible effect on me and I think there will be a generation of firefighters who will feel the same, who will never forget it.”

That’s also the point of Stephen’s book.

To set down what happened and who it happened to, so those events and people aren’t forgotten.

London Firefighter by Stephen Dudeney is published by Austin Macauley Publishers and is available from Amazon priced £11.99.

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- Jon Massey is co-founder and editorial director of Wharf Life and writes about a wide range of subjects in Canary Wharf, Docklands and east London - contact via jon.massey@wharf-life.com

June 8, 2022June 8, 2022

Poplar: How Take Stock Exchange want people to take time to stop and reflect

Storytelling company are set to bring You, Me, The World And This Moment to Poplar Union on June 19

From left, Olly, Anna and Nick of Take Stock Exchange – image James Perrin

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BY LAURA ENFIELD

After a two-year pause, it feels like the world is suddenly surging forward.

But are we ready to face the future when we’ve barely processed the past and are scrambling to keep up with the present?

Take Stock Exchange is offering a chance to reflect on this extraordinary moment in time, which we are all experiencing but in wildly different ways.

The community storytelling company, consisting of Nick Cassenbaum, Olly Hawes and Anna Smith, has been out in Poplar talking to older LBGTQIA+ men, gardeners and young people about what they are feeling as they try to get on with their lives.

They will combine the stories with others from across London for You, Me, The World And This Moment – a free event set to be held at Poplar Union on June 19, 2022, from 12.45pm to 3pm.

“Previously our projects have really been strictly location-based,” said Olly. “But this one is focused on the experience of the pandemic and of living right now.

“We got the feeling that straight after lockdown people were going to be told: ‘Move on now. We have to get back to normal’.

“But we want to provide a space for people to reflect on this moment in time and experience what they need to.”

Anyone can get a ticket, go along to the event, share a meal, and watch a performance crafted from the stories the collective has gathered, accompanied by a live musician.

Nick said: “We believe the arts can be something everyone participates in and benefits from, one way or another.

“What that means for us is trying to talk to as many different people as we can, with as wide a range of experiences as we can.

“Then we enable those people to reflect, to develop their own ideas, share them with other people and use that to help them move through their lives but also make that community stronger. I hope we’re going to see more work like this in the future.”

Drama graduates Olly and Nick met at Exeter University and formed the company in 2013. They wanted to do something involving the arts that had a direct impact on people’s lives.

They started with a grant of £250 for their first project You, Me, The World And Wanstead and have gone on to work on 12 large projects and numerous smaller ones across east London.

Of course, it’s not as simple as rocking up somewhere, putting on the kettle and sitting down for a heart-to-heart.

Anna joined as a producer a few years ago and is the one who finds the pathway into communities, organises the meet-ups and applies for funding.

In the past, they have worked with The Yard Theatre, Stratford Circus, Rich Mix, Culture Mile, The Barbican, Barnsbury Housing Association, Poplar HARCA, Poplar Union, Artsdepot and Vision Redbridge.

Anna said: “We always have one key partner in the area we’re working in that already has some connections to local groups.

“We will start having conversations with people and perhaps get a tip-off about another group. It’s a lot of word-of-mouth and following that chain of people who know people.

“It’s about embedding yourself, even though it’s for a short period of time, in a particular area and getting to know the connections and the networks that exist.”

The group reinforces this by always travelling to meet their subjects.

Anna said: “I think that allows people to feel comfortable enough to open up more than they would do if they were invited to a random conversation in an unfamiliar location.”

Take Stock Exchange have created You, Me, The World And This Moment – image James Perrin

Olly and Nick are the ones who then go out and talk to people and begin to build a sense of what conversations need to be fostered.

“A lot of the time we’re working in quite unpredictable situations,” said Olly.

“Sometimes we’ll turn up to a place and we don’t know if there are going to be three people there or 30.

“We don’t know if they are going to be happy that we’re coming or not. So we have to have quite a clear plan in mind, but then be really, really flexible.

“One of the real strengths of the project is it allows people to have the experience they want. It reveals stories that want to be revealed.

“These conversations are already bubbling, but perhaps haven’t been connected to one another or haven’t been shown to be part of a wider whole. “

Olly said he and Nick often spent hours discussing the conversations and how they related to each other and the wider world.

“The idea is that we build a dialogue through difference,” he said.

“The end result is people get a little bit of an insight into the lives of people they share a geographic space with, but who they might not necessarily interact with in their everyday lives.

During lockdown they took their conversations to Zoom, launching a podcast to share the results.

The trio also completed a location-focused project in Poplar during the pandemic and said it felt important to return.

The event will take place at Poplar Union – image James Perrin

Olly said: “Lockdown gave some a moment of calmness and peace but we were still in the midst of this really disorientating experience.

“And we’re still not out of that. We’ve just moved to a different stage of it.

“Giving people the chance to sit and reflect is something that has almost universally been appreciated at every workshop we’ve done.

“One of the most common things that we’ve heard is people saying: ‘I still I don’t know what to make of all this.

“I feel like my world has changed massively, but I still can’t really work out how’.

“We’ve heard that from primary school kids and much older people and every age bracket in between, from people in a variety of different circumstances.

“Our job now is to take all that material and create stories that are based on these events and communicate them in a truthful, clear way. That’s the big challenge of this project.”

They began holding workshops for You, Me, the World And This Moment in the Spring after receiving funding from the Arts Council and Poplar Union.

Nick said having the pandemic as the theme has enabled people to connect more quickly.

“When we’re focusing on location, people can tend to keep it very light and not go into the personal,” he said.

“So there is learning here for us that I think will definitely filter into future projects.

Olly said: “When we first started doing this work, it was in response to the idea that despite the fact we live in a world that is seemingly more connected, people feel a sense of disconnection more and more. We were trying to remedy that.

“Now, we live in a world that has been turned upside down by the pandemic. And that uncertainty is at the heart of this project.

“The pandemic has been this unifying experience but everyone has had really diverse experiences within it that we’re trying to connect.

“So, in our own small way, we’re trying to reunite this part of London.”

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- Laura Enfield is a regular contributor to Wharf Life, writing about a wide range of subjects across Docklands and east London