Canary Wharf expansion approved in London

London mayor Boris Johnson has approved three developments at Canary Wharf, including a £500m Crossrail station and a 27-storey hotel.

Wood Wharf, which is being developed by Ballymore, Canary Wharf Group and British Waterways, will also include a new canal, shops, offices and 1,700 homes.

The Crossrail station will also incorporate the Docklands Light Railway and the Underground.

Johnson said the approvals aimed to minimise the effect of the economic downturn on the construction sector.

“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,” he said.

“We cannot stop building in our city and just as we will forge ahead with our huge house building programme, we must ensure the development process for all construction projects is as smooth and speedy as possible.

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