Canary Wharf Group has embarked on preparing the two major tower projects for the construction phase.
According to the developer, enabling works on a 700,000 sq ft office tower on the eastern section of the Heron Quays West site have already begun.
The development, designed by Adamson Associates, has already been granted outline approval and the detailed planning consent is expected shortly.
Additionallyutility works are well underway for the Newfoundland residential block, nicknamed the Diamond Tower, after receiving planning consent in early March of this year.
The scheme, designed by Horden Cherry Lee Architects, will rise to 58 floors and accommodate 470,000 sq ft of apartments as well as 566 apartments with a health club and spa.
The Diamond Tower takes its name from the distinctive pattern of steelwork, which will rise up to 218m into the sky.
Construction works are expected to start in mid 2014, following a final agreement on Section 106.
David Pritchard, Chairman of Canary Wharf owners Songbird Estates, said: “The board is confident about the immediate prospects for the London real estate market.
“The group’s development pipeline is well positioned to take advantage of increasing demand and the prospect of a shortfall in supply of both prime commercial and residential space.”
Pritchard has also confirmed that construction on the first phase of its mixed-use district Wood Wharf scheme will start by the end of this year, with the first buildings ready for use by 2017.
Canary Wharf contractors have also submitted a planning application for a second 700,000 sq ft office development on the western half of Heron Quays West, which is currently under consideration of Tower Hamlet’s council.
The Heron Quays West eastern side scheme comprises of 12-storey, 21-storey and 33-storey development that will accommodate the largest trading floor in Britain.
Photo: Building
