Canary Wharf
Canary Wharf is an up and coming area of London based in the heart of London’s financial district. With breathtaking views of the Thames, excellent amenities and good links to central London, Canary Wharf is a highly desirable residential location. Located in East London, It is located 15 minutes from central London by public transport and Greenwich is nearby.
Canary Wharf is a major business district and is one of London’s two main financial centres and contains many of the UK’s tallest buildings, including the second tallest, One Canada Square and is also home to world or European headquarters of companies such as Barclays, Citigroup, HSBC and Reuters. As well as being a business hub, Canary Wharf also has many high end and modern apartment blocks which offer amenities such as gyms, underground parking and 24 hour porterage.
Canary Wharf was built on the site of the West India Docks on the Isle of Dogs. From 1802, the area was one of the busiest docks in the world as it was surrounded by the river Thames on all sides. In the early 20th century the docks had a booming economy and the population rose to 21,000. The area was an important target in World War II and suffered much damage, whilst, at the same time, being unable to keep up with new shipping and storage methods. This led the area into a period of decline, leading to the docks eventually being closed in the 1980s.
The Canary Wharf of today began when Michael von Clemm, former chairman of Credit Suisse First Boston (CSFB), came up with the idea of converting Canary Wharf into office space. The first of these office buildings were completed in 1991, including One Canada Square, which became the UK's tallest building and a powerful symbol of the regeneration of Docklands. Nowadays, over 100,000 people work in the area,, around 25% of whom live in the surrounding areas. With the opening of Jubilee Place shopping centre, Canary Wharf has also become a shopping destination.
With its towering buildings, Canary Warf is by far the most dramatic and recognisable addition to London's skyline in recent years. Not only has the area become a business area but malls, shops, bars, restaurants, and boutique hotels have made Canary Warf a highly desirable place to live in. It's a buzzing contemporary district which has many greens, gardens, landscaped parks, promenades, squares and free open-air musical performances ensure a contrast to the business and financial parts of the area. Luxurious hotels such as the Four Seasons and Hilton @ Canary Warf further shine light on the area’s desirability. Easy access to City Airport means that one can get to their desired location without having to go to one of London’s larger airports which are rather less convenient.
There are lots of things to do in and around Canary Warf. One can one can shop, dine, and watch silent movies at the Barbican Silent Cinema at Canary Wharf, visit The Canary Wharf Jazz Festival or simply take a walk through the district’s natural reserves and landscaped open spaces.
Because much of Canary Warf’s architecture is relatively new, much of the accommodation tends to take the form of modern apartment blocks. These blocks often provide amenities such as gyms, spas, bars and a 24 hour porter as well as stunning views of the city. Flats tend to go for about £1000 per week for a one bedroom and between £2500 and £3000 for larger dwellings.