When the work began on the Canary Wharf, it was with the great hope that it would be highly beneficial, both for the Isle of Dogs, and for the UK as a whole. While developing the Wharf has been success to a certain extent, the worry is that it has not succeeded in eradicating the highest levels of deprivation.
Local residents dislike the fact that the Canary Wharf has changed the very nature of the Isle. People used to talk to each other earlier when the docks were operational, but now the residents barely interact with one another. Once where they could see open views from the windows of their homes, they now see only the looming towers of the Canary Wharf.
There is resentment to the fact that Canary Wharf was advertised as a harbinger of jobs for the residents, but very few have actually landed work in the Wharf. Before the wharf, most of the houses in the Isle were occupied by local residents. But after the development, most homes are now rented by overseas residents. They fear that eventually the basic entity of the Isle will completely be eradicated. The residents, on their part, protested and took out marches demanding the closure of the Wharf, but to no avail.
Despite the residents’ views, the Government still believes that the Wharf has led to, and will lead to, great development. It states that many businesses have been already established in the area, and transport links have improved greatly. Only time will tell the extent to which the Canary Wharf has been beneficial for the people.
Reference List
1. Anon, 2018, The Long Shadow of Canary Wharf, viewed 11 Oct 2019,<https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/b09zn0ln>.