A major new shopping development and roof garden above Canary Wharf Crossrail Station has opened to the public today, ahead of the station opening in 2018. Stretching more than 300 metres along the north dock, the above ground scheme designed by Foster + Partners includes four levels of shops, cafes and restaurants, as well as extensive public gardens, which are densely planted with trees and plants, and interspersed with seating and pavilions – all partially enclosed by a timber lattice roof, which wraps around the building like a protective shell.
The gardens are accessible from ground level via two connecting bridges. The roof opens in the centre to draw in light and rain for natural irrigation, and opens along the sides and at either end to allow views of the water and surrounding streets. The spruce beams are sustainably sourced and provide a warm, natural counterpoint to the glass and steel towers of Canary Wharf. Between the beams there are air-filled plastic cushions. The partial enclosure of the space creates a comfortable environment for people to enjoy all year round, as well as providing a gentle microclimate for some of the plant species that first entered Britain through the docks.