Canning Town and Cody Road Strategic Regeneration Framework

The London Growth Plan recognises the central role innovation in existing industries will play in meeting the city's net-zero targets whilst supporting inclusive, sustainable growth. This strategic regeneration framework guides investment and growth in the industrial area of Canning Town and Cody Road.

We Made That, together with Useful Projects, Steer and Cushman and Wakefield, worked in Canning Town and Cody Road on the practical steps to realise the industrial area’s potential within the wider Thames Estuary industrial innovation corridor.

Grounded in circular economy principles and green growth, the framework identifies opportunities to intensify and diversify industrial uses, supported by enhanced travel infrastructure and public realm improvements. Central to this vision is the Canning Town Enterprise Hub, designed to foster a network of businesses driving Newham and east London’s transition to a greener, more inclusive economy.

The framework also highlights opportunities to improve resource efficiency among local businesses. With a strong base in construction, manufacturing, and waste sectors, the area is well positioned to adopt circular business models – essential for inclusive growth, as emphasised in the London Growth Plan and Newham’s Just Transition Plan.

Informed by engagement with local businesses and partners, the framework includes a series of site-specific strategies, which establish key parameters and priority projects to collectively deliver the vision for the area, and a delivery plan with short, medium and long term actions to deliver these projects and priorities. These will kickstart a green economy and improve the environment for people who live and work in Canning Town.

With over 11,000 homes coming forward in the immediate surroundings, the riverside industrial area must work harder in the coming years to become an integrated piece of the city that supports mental and physical health.These emerging surrounding neighbourhoods are highly constrained due to the industrial legacy of the area and the poor environmental conditions associated with major transport infrastructure. The strategy focusses on transforming the area to provide new residents with access to expansive riverside spaces, local jobs and amenities.

Five key principles have been identified to support Canning Town Enterprise Hub and its businesses in playing a central role in Newham and East London’s transition to a green and inclusive economy:

• Growing the role of the area as a hub for green innovation and inclusive employment opportunities
• Improving infrastructure to support sustainable and active travel for local businesses and residents
• Creating an inclusive public realm that supports healthy lives and enhances local uses
• Restoring spaces for nature that are a part of the everyday experience of living and working in the area
• Kick-starting an economy that avoids wasted resources and keeps materials at their highest value
  

Success of this industrial area will be measured by the impact it has on surrounding communities, the wider borough and the Thames Estuary Innovation corridor. As such, the work focussed on functional and physical connections with emerging neighbourhoods and on fostering new circular business models which can support inclusive, green growth across Newham.

Through this project 30,000m2 of industrial floorspace is planned for creation, with 30+ priority projects identified through local business engagement to deliver the vision for a circular economy. Interventions include 1.3km of new and improved green corridors, 2km new and improved cycling infrastructure to be delivered, as well as a 500m new walkway unlocked along the River Lea.