The Isle of Dogs is in the Borough of Tower Hamlets and is only accessible via one of the two bridges that cross the eastern and western entrances to the dock.
Isle of Dogs is down river from the City of London and was once marshland. This area is part of an historic flood plain but because of the Thames Barrier it no longer is frequently flooded.
It became an important area and part of the West Indian Docks that opened in 1802. East India Docks opened four years later. Many dock workers settled on the ‘island’ and the population was around 21,000 in the early 1900’s.
The whole area used to the known as Stepney Marsh. It was also known to have the highest amount of council housing in England buy now is known for the site of Canary Wharf. One Canada Square, known also as the Canary Wharf Tower is the tallest habitable building in England.
The area is one of social differences from one of the poorest to one of the richest in the UK. Although it is one of the poorest areas because of Canary Wharf it has one of the highest average incomes in the UK.
After World War II the docks once again were busy and were upgraded in 1967 but were unable to handle the containers that were being used in transportation and during the 1970’s they began to close with the last closing in 1980. This area became neglected and derelict.
When development of the docks was planned the Isle of Dogs was included and the Jubilee Line and Dockland Light Railway have given it a connection to the London Underground.
Concentration has been on Canary Wharf where over fourteen million square feet of land has been used for offices and retail premises. Over 78,000 people work in Canary Wharf.
Close to Canary Wharf is the HSBC Tower, Citigroup Centres and at One Churchill Place is the headquarters of Barclays Bank.
Incorporated into the regenerated Canary Wharf area are 140 shops including both independent shops and major high street stores including a Waitrose Food and Home Store.
Property to rent is readily available at costs of around £170 to £270pw for a l bed flat and £215 to £280pw for a 2 bed flat.
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