Art-Invest Real Estate has secured detailed planning approval from Southwark Council for its Plot B proposals at Dockside Canada Water, marking a significant step forward for one of central London's most ambitious regeneration projects. The approval, granted on 29 April 2025, enables the development of 742 student rooms and 75 affordable homes, addressing critical housing needs in the borough.
Plot B, designed by international architecture practice tp bennett, forms part of Art-Invest's broader masterplan which secured outline planning permission in March 2022. The development will serve as the commercial gateway to British Land's 53-acre new town centre in Canada Water—the most significant regeneration project in London for the past five decades. The site's exceptional connectivity includes an eight-minute journey to the City, fifteen minutes to the West End, and a mere two-minute journey to Canary Wharf via the Zone 2 transport hub.
"Canada Water is one of London's largest redevelopment projects and it is rapidly taking shape. Dockside plays a crucial role in its development, by bringing exceptional workspace, a high quality residential offer and public realm that has wellbeing for local people and the future workforce at its heart. It is fantastic to secure a positive decision from Southwark's planning committee as it completes our vision for Dockside Canada Water and allows us to focus on delivery," said Luka Vukotic, Head of Development at Art-Invest Real Estate UK.
"The Dockside Canada Water development will provide essential student and affordable housing in Southwark while transforming the local area through new public spaces and connections. Working closely with Art-Invest, we have taken a resident-led design approach to Plot B, focusing on how future students, new homeowners and existing residents can live together harmoniously to create a thriving new neighbourhood. This meant better pedestrian routes to and from local transport hubs; a new public garden, greater connections and integration with the surrounding area, and an emphasis on passive-sustainable, enduring design," added Nenad Manasijevic, Principal Director at tp bennett.
A particularly appealing aspect for investors is the scheme's emphasis on ESG credentials and wellness features, with Plot A delivering over 65,000 m² of Grade A, sustainability-led office space. The eastern dock edge transformation, designed by Chelsea Flower Show gold medallist Andy Sturgeon, will create valuable public realm that enhances the development's appeal to occupiers seeking locations that prioritise employee wellbeing—a key factor in attracting and retaining talent in today's competitive market. The buildings, designed by internationally renowned architects BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group and HWKN Architecture, offer exceptional sustainability credentials that are likely to command premium rents while meeting increasingly stringent ESG requirements from institutional investors.
People mentioned:
- Luka Vukotic, Head of Development, Art-Invest Real Estate UK
- Nenad Manasijevic, Principal Director at tp bennett
- Andy Sturgeon, Garden Designer and Chelsea Flower Show gold medallist
- Bjarke Ingels, Architect at BIG
- Matthias Hollwich, Architect at HWKN
Companies mentioned:
- Art-Invest Real Estate - Developer and investor
- tp bennett - Architecture practice
- British Land - Developer of Canada Water town centre
- BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group - Architects for Plot A
- HWKN Architecture - Architects for Plot A
- Cadman Communications - PR firm
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