Best address in Docklands: new homes, a school and public spaces to add family-friendly glamour to Canary Wharf

Canary Wharf is synonymous with Docklands but in fact it’s a private estate, an island within an island that is the Isle of Dogs, with its own ring-of-steel security cordon.

Since its creation more than 25 years ago, the 97-acre financial quarter has been a homes-free zone. Until now.

Wood Wharf, a new 3,600-home neighbourhood taking shape within Canary Wharf’s boundaries, is being trumpeted as Docklands’ best address.

The first phase of this mixed residential, retail and office scheme is 10 Park Drive, 345 apartments across two towers, one incorporating a beautiful sky terrace with club lounge and amenity space for residents.

What used to be a cut-off corner of Canary Wharf is now being integrated with the district’s main commercial hub via a new bridge, a high street and above-ground shopping arcades.

Linked to the water by landscaped gardens and small parks, the towers stand modestly alongside One Park Drive, a spectacular cylindrical skyscraper designed by Tate Modern architect Herzog & de Meuron, where homes are also for sale ahead of completion next year.

Whereas the first generation of Docklands’ housing schemes were gated and provided either crash pads for bankers or boxy flats for clerical workers, Wood Wharf aims to be a more family-friendly affair, with eight acres of public space, a GP surgery and primary school.

In addition, the new buildings have a handsome architectural unity, achievable because Canary Wharf is owned by a single company with a vested interest in its long-term future.

Wood Wharf is bringing a new level of luxury and glamour to Canary Wharf, which since emerging as a rival to the Square Mile in the Nineties, has grown spectacularly.

Its working population has jumped from 8,000 to more than 100,000 and there are more than 300 shops, bars and eateries, plus a multi-screen cinema and concert venues.

Yet for many people, it remains an alternative London, one that has more in common with downtown Chicago or Singapore than with, say, Kensington or St John’s Wood. The imminent arrival of Crossrail may change this.

As well as the sky garden, 10 Park Drive residents can make use of a Third Space gym, swimming pool and spa. Elegantly designed apartments have comfort cooling and generous balconies.

Prices from £880,000. Call 020 7001 3800.