British Land has been given permission to proceed with plans for a new town centre at Canada Water, which will include three million square feet of commercial and community space as well as 3,000 new homes. Following a recommendation from the planning officers for the mixed-use 53-acre site, the Southwark Council Planning Committee decided last night to grant planning permission for British Land’s master plan.
Along with the masterplan approval, the planning permission covers the construction of the first three buildings in the scheme. This includes 330,000 square feet of office space, 265 new homes, and public and community space spread across buildings A1, A2, and K1. British Land intends to complete the first phase by 2024, while the masterplan will take 15 years to complete. The master plan includes two million square feet of office space, one million square feet of retail, leisure, entertainment, education, and community space, and 3,000 new homes, 35% of which will be affordable, reports Contract Journal.
“We have an incredible opportunity at Canada Water to create a vibrant neighbourhood for people to live, work, and enjoy,” British Land CEO Chris Grigg said. We are incredibly eager to complete this outstanding, mixed-use, and environmentally responsible landmark development, which has been created to promote people’s well-being. We appreciate the Council’s efforts and look forward to working with them and the neighbourhood in the future.
The Surrey Quays Shopping Center, Surrey Quays Leisure Park, the Printworks, and the courtyard of the former Dock Offices are all located on the property. The transformational project will also produce 16 new streets, a new high street in London, a new Town Square, and 12 acres of new open area, including a 3.5-acre park.