Creating a Positive City
A Place With Something for Everyone
Placemaking for us has always been an integral part of our vision. Canary Wharf is much more than a place where people live or work – it is a destination, where people come to visit and enjoy the diversity of what we offer.
We believe that a positive city is one that has a positive impact on people and surroundings, from increasing biodiversity and supporting local communities and the economy, to creating spaces that help people feel happy and healthy. And, as a landlord and manager of the Estate, we know we have a big part to play.
Since its inception, Canary Wharf has been contributing to people’s well-being – not only for the individuals who work and visit here, but the wider community too. As well as obvious benefits such as creating employment and stimulating the economy, we’ve also become a major hub for arts and culture, sport and learning.
We’ve regenerated derelict land, transformed the abandoned docklands into a thriving hub of economic growth and created rich biodiversity alongside the Thames. Where once there was wasteland, now there stands a thriving, diverse community and ecological biodiversity.
At CWG, our positive outlook means we’re on track to deliver a truly positive city. Today, we are a focal point for people and activities, a place where people can come together and participate in the rich programme of events that we host – where people can flourish and feel they belong, where human creativity is nurtured and well-being is enhanced.
It’s a place that truly has something for everyone.
POSITIVE:
OUR APPROACH
![](https://sustainability2018.canarywharf.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Positive1.jpg)
Our new Biodiversity Action Plan is a progressive, ten-year plan that will ensure a healthy ecosystem. Our Estate includes 348,000m2 of open water habitat.
Culture and sport are essential elements of placemaking. We hosted 214 cultural and arts events in 2018.
Being a good neighbour means building relationships with those around us. Last year we gave £3 million in financial, in-kind and volunteering support to the local community.
We’re committed to backing local businesses from the community that surrounds us. £239m of our spend (40% of our total) was spent with local businesses in 2018.
Canary Wharf is meeting the challenge of a skills shortage, encouraging more young people to enter our industry. 1,494 students from classes across London took part in Architecture in Schools 2018.