Canada Water, London

Canada Water is a flagship regeneration district in Southwark, London, forming part of a long-term masterplan bringing together new homes, commercial workspaces, public infrastructure, and leisure facilities. Cycle storage plays a central role in the scheme's sustainable transport objectives, reducing reliance on motor vehicles and encouraging low-carbon commuting across the development. BSC was brought in to design, supply, and install a high-capacity, BREEAM-compliant solution across two bespoke cycle stores, serving hundreds of daily users and forming part of a broader active travel network.

The two primary cycle stores required delivery of 160 or more dedicated cycle spaces within restricted internal footprints, using space-efficient racking to achieve high density without overcrowding. The solution needed to meet BREEAM compliance targets, provide an accessible user experience for riders of varying abilities including ample ground-level provision, support multi-modal mobility including folding bike storage, and integrate into the architectural layout with minimal structural interference — all within a heavily regulated live construction environment managed by Mace, requiring safe delivery coordination, clear working zones, and compliant documentation throughout.

Following detailed assessment of the architectural plans and project brief, BSC developed a bespoke multi-product solution maximising density while maintaining consistent user flow. The backbone of the installation was 230 Gas-Assisted Two-Tier Cycle Racks, specified for their ability to deliver extremely high capacity while remaining easy to use. These were installed at 375mm centre spacing, with gas-assisted lifting arms for reduced effort, hot-dipped galvanised steel components to BS EN ISO 1461:2022, and secure locking hoops allowing both wheels and frame to be secured. Individual lower-level channels were specified in place of many standard hoop positions, providing an intuitive wheel guide system that reduces handlebar clashes, avoids frame-to-frame contact, and maintains a tidy arrangement across tightly spaced units. Galvanised Sheffield Stands were installed in Cycle Store A to ensure accessibility for users who prefer ground-level parking or cannot load bikes onto upper tiers. Thirty Folding Bike Lockers were installed to accommodate multi-modal commuters, creating a secure, structured location for compact bike storage and reducing clutter in communal spaces.

Several installation challenges were overcome through careful planning. Irregular room geometries, tapered corners, and fixed structural elements were resolved through precise measurement and adaptive layouts maintaining BREEAM-compliant spacing throughout. The large volume of two-tier racks was managed through staged installation phases and controlled access zones. A zone-by-zone sequencing approach — lower-level systems first, followed by upper-level and vertical units — ensured safe and efficient workflow. Mace's site restrictions on vehicle size and unloading points were addressed through direct coordination with the site logistics team.

Canada Water demonstrates BSC's capability to deliver complex, multi-layered cycle storage installations within demanding construction environments — producing a modern, resilient active travel facility built to serve the development for years to come.