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Regeneration Past
The regeneration of 255 acres of land in Surrey Docks by the London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC) started in 1985, following three years of framework planning and local consultation. Consultation reflected a need for owner occupation, new jobs and shopping sites. LDDC established roads, landscaping and new water links, transforming the area of nine sprawling docks, six timber ponds and a truncated canal. About half of Canada Dock was in filled and the Surrey Quays shopping centre built on top of it; the remainder was converted into a wildlife refuge.
In addition to the shopping centre, a bowling alley, a cinema and large swathes of car parking now sit at the heart of Canada Water. The Canada Water basin has been retained, and these developments surround the basin.
Due to poor transport links, the area initially did not expand in line with London, and most of the development in Rotherhithe focused more on the areas closer to the river. This changed in 1999 when the newly opened Jubilee line extension brought a much needed boost to local transport infrastructure.
With the opening of the new Canada Water tube station, the area is now well connected to the rest of London, with Canary Wharf one stop, Westminster less than 10 minutes, and Bond Street around 15 minutes away by tube.
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