Article: Canada Water towers set to reach almost 50 storeys in ‘massive’ increase – Southwark News

As a local resident, I support thoughtful redevelopment, but the process here feels like a bait and switch. British Land initially proposed adding 25 storeys across the Canada Water site during initial consultations, then we were all surprised when Southwark council approved 37. Now, years later, they’re saying it needs to jump to 50 storeys to remain 'viable'. Blaming rising construction costs and OHS regulations surely isn’t a valid excuse for them to do whatever they want and Council caving in? It feels just another step toward littering an area with skyscrapers.

by OfficiallyAudacious

30 comments

  1. It’s served by a tube and Overground lines and situated between the City and Canary Wharf. Why can’t it support 50 storeys?

    Seems like exactly the sort of place to be focusing on creating more homes.

  3. Wow. Looks like a big improvement. Huge win for the area.

  4. There are actual challenges with new regulations which is cropping up in every London borough atm. Any residential building over 18m needs 2 staircases now which takes up space and essentially makes the building 10% ish more expensive to build, so making it taller balances that equation out.

    They’ll use this as a reason to go above and beyond of course they will, but the fundamental issue is fair to raise and unfortunately lots of places will likely have to do this as well.

  5. Excellent news, exactly what they should be doing!

  6. 90,000 children are homeless in London (source: Shelter). So even if they built 1000 flats a floor, still 40,000 homeless.

  9. I live not too far away from there. More housing seems like a great idea. It is a huge site and there are already tall towers in the area. Ideally it would be even taller.

    This city, this country, desperately needs to snap out of this reactionary NIMBY mindset that says no to everything and wants to make everything as small and unambitious as possible.

    To be honest, if the local objectors were ‘surprised’ and I presume unhappy with 37 storeys going up to 50 storeys really makes no practical difference.

  10. I’m a total YIMBI and can’t be more excited for this. Good work.

  11. Good news, hopefully the new government reforms can come quicker to stop opposition to it.

    More homes being built the better.

  12. Interesting how Reddit is populated by the chums of developers.

  13. I have no complaints about this at all. The more the better in CW

  14. Of course they’re doing more because the government is relaxing planning regulations. No bait and switch, they’re just allowed to do more

  15. Highly dubious about the developers claims here. Also, living next to 50 story buildings isn’t fun once you factor in the living in constant shade plus the wind tunnel effects giant building like these create. Clearly there’s a balance to be had.

    Also, I’d suggest anyone in favour of these monster residential blocks try living in one before deciding whether or not they are the answer to London’s housing issue. It’s not fun living 50 stories up, knowing it’s a minimum 40 minute plus escape down the stairs to get out if there’s a fire. Definitely wouldn’t want to do that with kids so these are anything but family homes.

  16. I thought the planned tower heights were surprisingly low so this is great news. 

    Ideally Canada Water would look like Canary Wharf 2.0 with a bridge to connect them directly. 

  18. I’m a local with a kid in a local school and I have to say that there is broad support among almost everyone I’ve spoken for the new buildings.

    If only the supporters were as vocal as the detractors.

    I really don’t know what your objection to the increase might be. What’s wrong with skyscrapers?

  20. Makes sense as it’s more expensive to build on more land, as you need more land. So we’re just going UP everywhere it seems.

  21. Great news.
    We need to get serious about sending nimbies to the gulag.

  22. I mean they could quite easily build 150 storey apartment blocks and would sell every apartment easily still

  24. Flats stacked 50 floors high, yikes, better make sure the fire safety is top notch with several ways of exit in case of a fire.

  25. What’s the issue here? Are you just unhappy that they are changing plans now? Is there some specific reason that makes 50 storey building different than 37 storey one? Does it significantly change impact on other buildings, amenities, etc.?

  27. The entire deptford needs to be replaced with 50 storeys buildings. The biggest waste of real estate on the planet.

  28. Excellent. More chance of me to relocate there for when Printworks reopen.

  29. Every time, EVERY time there’s a development this stuff is tried, let’s not fall for it.

  30. London is, surprisingly, one of the least-dense major cities in the world. Increased height is inevitable as areas are redeveloped.

Comments are closed.