The Docklands in East London includes areas from various boroughs such as Tower Hamlets, Greenwich, Southwark and Newham. It is also the location of Canary Wharf, one of the major financial centres of the capital.
The Docklands used to be the largest port in the world during the Victorian period, but it fell into decline when ships outgrew the docks. Since the 1980s it has been redeveloped, and it is now one of the most exclusive areas in London.
Property in the area is made up of both commercial and residential property. While many people reside here, it is also an important base for large corporations. Part of the regeneration involved converting old warehouses into luxury apartments, which make up much of the property in the area.
The area boasts excellent transport links. The Isle of Dogs has a tube connection on the Jubilee Line Extension, and the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) is the main way to travel through the Docklands.
The Docklands is densely populated. The main type of accommodation here is made up of flats, most of which were built following the regeneration in the 1980s. Flats to rent and buy are popular with young professionals, and especially those working in Canary Wharf.
Only a very small amount of detached housing is available in the Docklands. This is mainly because the area is more popular with single people and couples than families.
Different areas in the Docklands vary in the types of accommodation available. For example, there are many warehouse conversions in Narrow Street in Limehouse, like Molines Wharf, whereas Westferry and Eastferry have a wider choice of properties including council houses and period properties.
New complexes are common, such as Victory Place in Limehouse, which is made up of one-to-three bedroom apartments with balconies, and No. 1 West India Quay, which has over 150 apartments.
Property for sale in Docklands
Property for rent in Docklands
The Docklands area has a number of primary and secondary schools for families to choose from. Primary schools in and around the Docklansd include St. Peter's London Docks Primary School, Calverton Primary School, Vicarage Primary School, Hallsville Primary School, Keir Hardie Primary School and Drew Primary School.
Secondary schools include Cumberland School, Brampton Manor Academy, Mulberry School for Girls, Oaklands Secondary School, Phoenix School, Ian Mikardo High School and The Royal Docks Community School.
Of all the areas in London to have undergone large-scale regeneration, the Docklands is the most well known. The London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC) was responsible for numerous large developments up until 1998, but it is the future developments that are really exciting. Some of the most important projects include:
The Docklands has a fascinating history. It was originally known as the Pool of London, and later it became part of the Port of London, which was the largest port in the world.
In the Victorian period, it was expanded with the building of many more docks, including the West India docks, Royal Victoria docks, King George V docks and more. However, it was heavily targeted by German bombs during the Second World War, and when ships became too large for the port during the 1960s, the Docklands lost its main trade.
In the 1980s, the redevelopment programme began. The London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC) was established in 1981, and the area was turned into one of the most important financial districts in London. Skyscrapers were built, the DLR was constructed, and derelict warehouses were turned into expensive apartments. The area is still being developed, and it is now one of the most exclusive areas of the capital.
The Docklands has excellent transport links, making it easy to travel to and from elsewhere in London by tube, overground and bus.
There are two Underground stations in the area:
The computer-controlled DLR is the main mode of transport in the Docklands. It has a number of stations along its route including Limehouse, West India Quay, Poplar, Heron Quays, Mudchute, Island Gardens and Greenwich among others.
A number of bus routes pass through the Docklands. Some of the most important include:
There are many things to see and do in the Docklands. Some of the most important include: