Mayor says yes to Wharf development

PLANS for a Crossrail station, a hotel and scores of new homes and offices at Canary Wharf were all approved by Boris Johnson today.

The Mayor gave the green light to three major proposals for the area which will create thousands of jobs.

Work is now set to begin on the £150 million redevelopment of Wood Wharf, next to the existing office blocks, to create a "new town" with 1,700 homes, shops and thousands of feet of office space.

A separate 27-storey hotel will have 150 rooms, restaurants and training facilities aimed at bringing long-term employment to the area. Linking the Isle of Dogs to Crossrail will also create a major transport hub at Canary Wharf, connecting rail to the DLR and Tube.

Mr Johnson said: "I am determined to do everything I can to minimise the impact of the economic downturn and ensure that I use my powers to support the development sector in particular.

"Once Crossrail arrives in Canary Wharf it will act as the catalyst for the construction of more offices and other facilities, creating lasting jobs over the coming decades."

Mr Johnson has been criticised for dropping other projects including the Thames Gateway Bridge, the Cross Water Tram and extension of the DLR.