New South London boardwalk to be patrolled by security guards - to stop cyclists riding on it

Security guards will be on patrol at a new boardwalk in a multi-billion pound South London development to prevent cyclists from riding on it. The vibrant red, 170m boardwalk at Canada Water is part of a massive 53-acre, £4bn project by British Land, designed by architect Asif Khan.

This 'masterplan' aims to deliver the capital's first new high street in a century over the next decade, complete with retail, leisure, education and work facilities, along with up to 4,000 new homes, a park and a town square. However, the Canada Dock boardwalk is strictly 'pedestrian only', meaning cyclists are off-limits and will be monitored by security personnel to ensure they don't ride on the new attraction.

Signs will also direct cyclists to dismount before entering the wetlands walkway, which has been designed to support local wildlife. The winding timber bridge is said to draw inspiration from the history of the Surrey Docks and its central role in the timber trade during the 19th and 20th centuries.

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A spokesperson for British Land stated that cyclists would instead have access to designated cycle routes which are "more direct". They added: "The boardwalk was designed to be a pedestrian footbridge that offers the local community a moment of reflection on their daily journeys, and the opportunity to connect with nature whilst pleasurably crossing the dock. Our approach to managing public space balances the safety of all those using it with creating a welcoming environment for all."

The spokesperson continued: "Cyclists will be able to use designated cycle routes and the local road network, which are more direct than going across the boardwalk. There will be more than 4km of new walkways and cycle paths at Canada Water, along with 10,000 bike spaces and three Santander cycle hire stations. This year we’ve already delivered 300 new bike spaces, while we have committed £30 million to invest in local transport, prioritising pedestrian and cycle routes."

Architect Asif Khan, who also designed the new London Museum and is behind the renewal of the Barbican Centre, said he hopes his public landmark can help people to 'take a breath and look at things in a new way'.

Councillor Helen Dennis, Cabinet Member for New Homes and Sustainable Development at Southwark Council, said the boardwalk forms part of a 'masterplan' to transform the area into a new town centre.

She said: "It’s amazing that the new boardwalk is already proving so popular with local people, as a new way to connect with wildlife, the area’s unique history, and each other. The renewal of Canada Dock is a key part of our plans to transform a historic London docklands location into a distinctive, new waterside town centre in partnership with British Land."

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