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Crossrail Place Roof Garden

Celebrating Canary Wharf’s legacy in global plant exploration with a beautiful green oasis

Canary Wharf, London, UK

The Crossrail Place Roof Garden is a magnificent tribute to the wonders of nature and the daring spirit of exploration. It's a serene oasis above the Canary Wharf Crossrail Station, where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of Britain's famous plant exports. 

A shared space uniting two neighbourhoods

Crossrail Place is a vibrant mixed-use development that brings together the above-ground elements of a new Crossrail station at Canary Wharf, designed by Foster and Partners. Positioned between the iconic HSBC Tower and the lively residential area of Poplar, this prime location unlocked a unique opportunity to create a dynamic, shared green space that unites both communities.

At the heart of this vision is a stunning rooftop garden, accessible via bridges from street level. Enclosed by a striking 300-metre timber lattice roof, partially open in the centre, the garden is bathed in natural light and rain, making it a perfect environment for plants to thrive. 

Inspired by Canary Wharf's maritime heritage, the garden evokes the spirit of 18th-century ships bringing exotic plants from across the globe. The lush garden, sheltered by a cutting-edge ETFE roof, creates a microclimate that nurtures rare species. Its layout reflects the Prime Meridian’s significance, dividing the space into two hemispheres, each representing the Western and Eastern worlds, with plants from both regions showcased.

The garden's design fosters human connection and well-being, with winding pathways leading to hidden corners for quiet moments and open amphitheatres at each end for events and performances. It’s a space where nature, culture, and community meet - offering a peaceful retreat that contrasts the fast-paced rhythm of Canary Wharf.

"The first benefit of Crossrail that Londoners are enjoying is a magnificent garden high above a station"

Ruth Slavid, Landscape Journal

Award

Year

Landscape Institute Award: Highly Commended

2016

MIPIM Awards: Best Urban Regeneration

2016

New London Award Winner: Transport and Infrastructure Category

2016

European Garden Award

2018

Project details

Title

Crossrail Place Roof Garden

Client

Canary Wharf Group

Status

Complete

Project team

Gillespies, Foster + Partners, Adamson Associates, Arup Engineering and Growth Industry

Gillespies team

Armel Mourgue, Paul Winton, Giacomo Guzzon

Photography

Jason Gairn, Neil Kenyon, Justin Kase and Gillespies