This area, nestled in the southern pocket of Tower Hamlets against the Thames, sits just beneath Whitechapel and a bit west of Canary Wharf. Known among Londoners as Shadwell, the area is prized for its diversity with over half of the neighbourhood’s residents being of Bangladeshi origin. Residents enjoy the multiple recreational spaces in the area, like King Edward II Memorial Park, Wapping Woods, and Shadwell Basin where kayaking and canoeing is popular. In addition to these spaces, those walking through the area would find it difficult not to notice the Dickensian feel of the area. The Prospect of Whitby is a highlight, boasting views up and down the river, this pub claims to be the oldest riverside pub in London. Dating back to 1520, locals boast that explorer Hugh Willoughby set sail from this pub for his famous arctic voyage in 1533, on which he discovered the North-East Passage. With its cobblestone streets and red brick warehouses, the neighbourhood’s maritime history is juxtaposed with the many council flats and newly converted loft homes that line the river. With this interesting historical character as well as the area’s proximity to central London, it’s no wonder that Shadwell attracts young professionals and families alike.

While Shadwell was originally agricultural land, by the 1600s, its riverside location had attracted the local maritime industries, leading to extensive residential growth. Unfortunately in the 1800s the area had unfortunately become known for its unsanitary conditions, poverty and crime. However, the construction of the docks in the 1850s brought with it the clearing of the slums and eventually led to the development of council flats following World War II, allowing for a major uplift to its reputation. Today, the neighbourhood’s plethora of activities, pubs and its ease of transport connections is attracting many new young residents.

Comedian and television show host, Graham Norton, currently resides in Shadwell. Among other shows, he’s most well-known for The Graham Norton Show. Celebrated actress, Dame Helen Mirren, is another well-known Shadwell resident. She’s involved in the community, and helped film a fundraising promotion for the local Shadwell Community Project.

Despite the recent influx of young professionals to the neighbourhood, Shadwell’s unemployment rate continues to be well above the averages for both Tower Hamlets, and London on a whole. One explanation for this could possibly be the higher than average rate of residents with long term health problems that limit their daily activities. These issues aside, even newcomer residents love Shadwell, appreciating the area’s prime location and multicultural environment.

Shadwell and nearby Wapping continue to be the focus of multiple regeneration schemes. There are plans currently in the works to convert a large section of Shadwell Basin into a public lido. The plans are still in development, but this lido will eventually be Britain’s first natural treated and naturally treated swimming pool. Meanwhile, in close-by Wapping, St George’s luxury apartment complex to the north of the docks is finally reaching the final stages of its development. With a secondary school included, and over half of the construction constituting public open space, this is not only architectural eye candy, and should be an asset to the community. However, in total only 486 of the new 1,800 homes are classed as affordable.