London Photo Gallery - Poplar Dock & Blackwall Basin

Within walking distance from Canary Wharf's residential and commercial towers, Poplar Dock was originally a reservoir used to manage the West India Docks' water levels. Coal was unloaded here from northeast England and onto other vehicles for distribution. Timber was also floated here to prevent them from drying up and cracking.

In 1999, the dock was repurposed into a marina, and the surrounding areas have been regenerated into a quiet residential community.

From Blackwall DLR station, cross the roundabout underground and you will arrive at a small park on Trafalgar Way. The rising towers are part of a student accommodation project at #2, which will consist of 3 towers rising 28, 36, and 46 floors offering about 1700 student units.

Heading slightly uphill from the construction site, I found fancier boats docked in the marina.

Promenades line the waterfront areas as I continue to Blackwall Basin next door, which opened in 1802 along with the West India Import Dock. This was the first non-tidal basin in the port. The entrance lock to the basin controlled water levels and reduced silting and was a key part of the dock system, and was subsequently enlarged in the 1890s.

Across the street on the south side of the basin is Wood Wharf, another new residential community now under construction, albeit with much taller buildings.

Further Readings :
Coldharbour Conservation Area | Historic England Listing