Floating Pavilions Sail into the Docks of Canary Wharf

15 April 2021

Canary Wharf Group has taken delivery of two floating pavilions which were towed into the iconic area of Canary Wharf on the River Thames. Now located in the docks of Canary Wharf’s new neighbourhood, Wood Wharf, one of these aqua based constructs will be the home of a stunning new restaurant by the end of the year.

Taking up residency is the internationally recognised The London Project. This conceptual bar, restaurant and lifestyle venue will capture the perfect mixture of bustling atmosphere, delicious dining, entertainment, and unique social spaces as it floats in Water Square, Wood Wharf.

Originally opening its doors on Bluewater Islands in Dubai, The London Project Canary Wharf will deliver a dining experience like no other. With art, music, food and even an in-house gin distillery, guests will be guided through an unforgettable journey of the senses. Resting in the canals of Water Square, this flagship location will deliver experiences, day and night.

The pavilions will complete an interconnecting sequence of urban routes at Canary Wharf, which will complete the connections between the city space and the surrounding water. This link will offer visitors a mixture of serenity from the calming water, whilst surrounded by the captivating Canary Wharf skyline.

The multi-levelled floating arrangements are linked via a series of boardwalks and fitted with fixed seating areas and aquatic planting. The symbiotic pavilion structures are designed by renowned architects Glenn Howells Architects (GHA), and detailed with steel and glass, open-end balconies, and outward facing benches overlooking the water, so visitors can comfortably settle and watch the world drift by.

Low impact materials such as sustainably sourced timber decking, aluminium extracted from hydro sources and an intensive green room have been chosen, while primary energy will be provided from the estate-wide Combined Heat and Power (CHP) network.

Further, the pavilion roofs are decorated with blankets of mixed wildflowers and grasses that encourage visits from insects and birds and contributes towards carbon capture. Using these materials contributes to Canary Wharf’s wider environmental initiatives creating a truly sustainable 15-minute city, a place to live, work and play.

Stuart Fyfe, Director of Retail Leasing at Canary Wharf Group said: “We’re thrilled to welcome this unique delivery of floating pavilions via the river to Canary Wharf. The pavilions will provide the perfect space for a dining experience and will build on our existing collection of top dining and cultural experiences available at Canary Wharf. The critically acclaimed The London Project will be basing its flagship eatery here – offering diners a truly special experience of expertly crafted food and drink, partnered with great music and a unique atmosphere.

We’re also hoping that by linking our iconic urban space with the historic docks and waterways, visitors to Canary Wharf can feel more connected with these elements, whilst enjoying the city surroundings.”

Stephen Valentino, CEO of The London Project said: “It is indeed an exciting time both for Canary Wharf and The London Project. The floating pavilions will be a unique attraction for the new district of Wood Wharf, and we are proud for this to be our flagship venue in Europe. The dynamic and creative nature of these floating pavilions are the perfect setting for us to bring The London Project to the city that inspired the concept. More than just a bar and restaurant, The London Project will feature a one-of-a-kind distillery, a media arm called London Project Live, a range of dining experiences and the most progressive bar in the region.

London gave us the inspiration to develop the brand, now we are excited to bring a global concept home and showcase the diversity and exceptionality of our brand.”

David Henderson, Director at Glenn Howells Architects said: “It’s been great to see our vision become a reality for Canary Wharf Group. Working with engineers Ramboll, we’ve created a pair of floating pavilions, which will be connected by a series of bridges and boardwalks to activate the dock as a key new piece of public realm. For the first time, both residents and visitors to the emerging Wood Wharf district will be able to have a closer relationship with the water and experience the historic dock in a completely new and unique way. “

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