It's been concealed behind hoardings for aaages, but Canary Wharf's new waterside platform is now open.
Eden Dock, they're calling it. Built with help from the people behind the Eden Project in Cornwall. It's a mildly wacky mix of pontoons, planters, mossy green mannequins and high-vis security guards. The water-borne complex spreads out across about half of Middle Dock, a rectangular stretch of water that previously did little to recommend itself.
Eden Dock has its ups and downs, in both senses. It's built across multiple levels, with steps, seating and ramps aplenty. Here and there, tiny trees and flower beds add a splash of colour. Opening in autumn was perhaps not the best timing. The plant life will look much brighter come the spring. But still, good to see it finally open.
Here and there, we're treated to an oddity. The eastern end is enlivened by groups of mossy figures, like a sub-species of Antony Gormleys, evolving in isolation. We wonder if local workers will start to give them pet names. Half way along, we encounter a monitor displaying what appears to be underwater footage from the dock. Sadly, there's no explainer, or information about the sort of things we might see here. Do they have fish in the dock? Eels? Moss people?
Otherwise, the on-site information is pretty good. A series of boards tell the history of the dock, from its marshy origins to the thriving Victorian heyday, to closure and reinvention. Neatly done. (Although blogger Diamond Geezer has a few issues.)
Our photos show a fairly empty Eden Dock. We popped by around 10am, when most people were deskbound. Come lunchtime, and the space assuredly fills up, especially in these early weeks when live music sessions are promised. All in all, it's a huge improvement on what was here before: an empty dock. The legend of the Moss People starts here.
All images, Matt Brown/Londonist