London’s Docklands has been a regeneration process for the past 25 years with a transformation project that launched in 1981 by a new government agency call the London Docklands Development Corporation (LDDC.) The Docklands area covers approximately s eight-and-a-half square miles of the riverside parts of Southwark, Tower Hamlets and Newham.

Today London’s Docklands is one of the most exciting tourist attractions in addition to being one of the trendiest places to work and live. The area is enthusiastically described as vibrant, diverse, and culturally interesting area and also the fastest growing destination in London. A wealth of beautiful historic warehouses, old riverside pubs and impressive new developments enchant the wandering visitor.

Docklands is a place for discovery and offers an incredible and glorious history. The sheer scale of new developments makes the area an investors dream come true. Located to the east of the city, London’s Docklands are on the opposite side of the Thames to Greenwich. Easy access is provided by the DLR National Rail connections to Docklands Light Railway (DLR) at Limehouse, Stratford, Greenwich, and Lewisham stations.

Canary Wharf Station is built on the site of the old West India Docks and takes its name from the former sea trade with the Canary Islands. It is said that during the period of 1802 to 1980, the area was one of the busiest docks in the world with up to 50,000 people employed.

Unfortunately during World War II, the docks were heavily bombed destroying almost all of the original warehouses. There was a brief recovery in the 1950 but by 1980, the docks were closed.

Today Canary Wharf is glorious and prosperous once again and represents London's flagship area for commercial activities and is also a hub of technology. The wharf contains the three tallest buildings in the UK:

• One Canada Square, often called the Canary Wharf Tower, stands 771 feet or 235.1 meters tall.

• HSBC Tower stands 654 feet or 199.5 meters tall

• Citigroup Centre, same as HSBC, stands 654 feet or 199.5 meters tall

Planned on a grand scale, Canary Wharf is one of London's upcoming developmental estates and involves some of the world's renowned architects. Today, Canary Wharf is developing at a frenetic pace but the attention to detail has not been lost. The estate extends to more than 97 acres and is one of London’s renowned centers for commerce and is well connected by the Docklands Light Railway.

Canary Wharf is planned on a grand scale, yet with meticulous attention to detail. The estate extends to over 97 acres and is so called because when in use as a dock, many of the imports were from the Canary Islands. Approximately 14.1 million square feet of office and retail space has been constructed to date. The first tenants moved into Canary Wharf in August 1991 and now 80,000 people work here.

Canary Wharf apartments have gained a reputation for being some of the most desirable high-rise corporate apartments in London. Tenants first moved into Canary Wharf in 1991. Flats found here typically offer an array of luxury facilities such as gyms, swimming pools, underground parking, and 24-hour concierge style services similar to those offered in major hotels. Excellent transportation links of the Jubilee Line and the Docklands Light Rail and close proximity to work and water views, continues to make Canary Wharf properties a big attraction for tenants and investors alike.

New Providence Wharf, on the banks of the river Thames, also offers commanding views from luxury apartments within walking distance of Canary Wharf. The evolving location is known for its award winning landscaped gardens and walkways. Swimming pool, gym, shops, cafes and restaurants, provide the perfect blend for modern city living. The main apartment block - which has an eco friendly roof - offers a selection of 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, most with direct river views and secure underground parking.

Investors in these areas, look to take advantage of short term lets in London. Corporate organizations will typically look to place employees in temporary housing ranging from one week to three months. Because Canary Wharf houses such banking entities like Morgan Stanley, Barclays, Citigroup, HSBC, Societe General, investors can look to enjoy a healthy ROI for their investment properties.

When looking to buy, sell, or rent in London’s Docklands, look for reputable property management companies to get the inside track on availability and terms. If your lifestyle says city, then Canary Wharf and New Providence Wharf might be just up your alley.