Could London's Canary Wharf inspire our developers?

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 30: London’s glittering Canary Wharf development could provide ideas for the revamping of Hamilton’s waterfront, Premier Paula Cox said this week.

The Premier said she had toured the former London docks site, now home to offices, shops, restaurants and visitor attractions, with Governor Sir Richard Gozney during the recent Overseas Territories Consultative Council meeting in London.

Ms Cox said: “In London, initially there was resistance when the idea was first mooted — it was a very useful visit, particularly as we are looking at what the face of our waterfront should be. What we want to do is create a waterfront which is a magnet for people and a magnet for investment.”

Ms Cox said she had been especially impressed by the vibrant street life of the purpose-built 97-acre site and its centrepiece Canary Wharf. The site includes covered areas for artists and musicians to work and Ms Cox said the mixed use of the area, which includes apartments, shops and hotels, meant both local people and tourists could enjoy the sights and shopping.

Ms Cox added that the heads of government from Overseas Territories had discussions with several UK government representatives, including Gerald Howarth, the Minister for International Security Strategy at the Ministry of Defence. Ms Cox said that a new White Paper on the UK’s relations with the Overseas Territories would include defence-related issues and how the UK could best help the Territories on security matters.

And it is possible that Britain may donate unwanted military equipment to the Overseas Territories to boost their capabilities or allow the Territories better access to training opportunities in the UK.

She added: “Questions were raised as to whether there was scope for things surplus to requirements in the UK to go to the Territories.

“The Minister...was also quick to indicate that UK, just like everywhere else, has to live within its means.

“It’s not so much financial assistance, but technical support. He said they could certainly look at that. They are talking about education and training.”

UK Minister for the Overseas Territories Henry Bellingham said the relationship with the remaining UK Territories, of which Bermuda is the most populous, was “a priority” for the UK government. He added: “We discussed global economic challenges and how the UK and Territories are taking action to strengthen public financial management and diversify economic development.

“We also discussed with Territory leaders ways in which we can build a stronger partnership, including by enabling the Territories to access UK public sector expertise and
training — especially through secondments and by strengthening links and engagement with the Commonwealth and European Union.”

Mr Bellingham said: “The Overseas Territories welcomed the inclusion of other UK government departments in the consultations and expressed appreciation for the support they offered, especially in these difficult economic times.”