The Underline — Underneath Canary Wharf’s DLR tracks

Once characterised as being cut-off and difficult to access, the Isle of Dogs public transport network has been transformed over the years. In fact, the Zone 2 location is now one of the most accessible parts of London with multiple forms of public transport:

• Jubilee line
• 24 hour bus routes
• Uber Boat
• Docklands Light Railway
• Upcoming Elizabeth Line
  

After multiple extensions, the DLR forms the backbone of the transport network. The southern fork of the route snakes from Bank in the City of London all the way through the Isle of Dogs as far south as Lewisham.

This has improved connectivity, but left a void of often under-utilised or derelict space beneath the elevated tracks. The Underline is a proposal to revitalise this space, and is a small idea that could have a big impact on the future of the Isle of Dogs development.

The Underline idea

First proposed at the end of 2015, the Underline is an idea from landscape architects Spacehub Design.

The group have worked on multiple projects within Canary Wharf and the Isle of Dogs, designing landscaping for individual developments such as Dollar Bay, and Millharbour Village, as well as an extensive global portfolio.

Experts in maximising spaces and bringing new greenery to urban areas, the Underline is a proposal to transform the underside of the elevated DLR tracks into a linear park.

This would provide extra green space but also enable residents a sheltered walkway to transit between Canary Wharf to the Isle of Dogs.

The idea was conceived on a rainy site visit when we noticed locals were using the viaduct as a sheltered route to work, even though its alignment took them through a cluttered car park. That was when we saw the potential of creating a park under the viaduct.

Spacehub

Where would the Underline go?

Initially starting via individual developments, Spacehub’s idea is to create a 1 km long stretch of park running between Herons Quays DLR station on the Canary Wharf private estate, to Crossharbour DLR.

The Underline would transit areas of the highest density development on the Isle of Dogs, covering major developments and several thousand residents:

• South Quay Masterplan area, including Wardian London and South Quay Plaza
• The northern edge of the Harbour Central development area, including Millharbour Village and Pan Peninsula
• The Crossharbour area, including Baltimore Tower, The Collective and Baltimore Wharf
  

After successful implementation, this area could gradually be extended further North with the raised DLR tracks running through the Canary Wharf estate to Poplar. This has previously been identified as a key north south route that needs improving, and is set to be addressed with the upcoming North Quay development.

Underline benefits

• Providing a sheltered walkway reduces reliance on the DLR in bad weather
• Cost-effective new addition to the Isle of Dogs, without additional major construction
• Maximising an existing but previously under-utilised space
• Adding greenery and improving biodiversity of the local area
• An attraction that will potentially bring new tourists to the area, helping to cement Canary Wharf’s diversification away from offices into a destination.
• Helping to link multiple new developments together, and create a more cohesive feel to the often sporadic construction projects
  

Previous examples

While a novel idea for E14 and the Isle of Dogs, similar ideas for maximising green space and creating linear parks within urban developments have proved successful.

Creating the Underline

While in 2021 — six years after the initial proposals from Spacehub — the Underline remains as a concept, there are signs that the project might take off. However, this is likely to be bite-sized pieces, rather than as one major construction project.

It looks like the Underline will begin with individual developments that border the elevated portions of the DLR tracks, each improving their section in turn:

• Spacehub worked with Rockwell Properties on their plans for the new Quay House development. In this, the Underline concept was a key part of the proposal turning unused car parking spaces into a sheltered parkour and small linear park combination.
  
• There are several plans in the pipeline for developments in the South Quay Masterplan area that boarder the DLR tracks — with each looking to maximise public space.
  
• Further east along the tracks large-scale development South Quay Plaza is creating 2.6 acres of landscaped public realm. Another small portion of the DLR tracks falls within the site boundary, with this area underneath becoming more accessible and leading out onto the landscaped gardens.