High Capacity Cycle Storage for a Major London Regeneration Scheme

The Project

Canada Water is a flagship regeneration district in Southwark, London, bringing together new homes, commercial workspaces, public infrastructure and leisure facilities. As part of the scheme's sustainable transport objectives, cycle storage plays a central role in reducing reliance on motor vehicles and encouraging healthier, low-carbon commuting.

To support this vision, we were brought in to design, supply and install a high-capacity, BREEAM-compliant cycle storage solution across two bespoke cycle storage units. This installation would serve hundreds of daily users and form part of a broader active travel network central to the redevelopment.

The Canada Water development includes multiple residential and mixed-use buildings, each with its own end-of-trip demands. For the two primary cycle stores, the client required a system that would:

• Deliver 160+ dedicated cycle spaces within restricted internal footprints.
• Utilise space-efficient racking configurations to support high density without overcrowding.
• Achieve BREEAM compliance, contributing to certification targets for the wider development.
• Provide an accessible user experience for riders of varying abilities, including ample ground-level provision.
• Support multi-modal mobility, including folding bike storage.
• Integrate seamlessly into the architectural layout with minimal structural interference.
• Withstand heavy, long-term use, backed by British manufacturing and robust installation standards.

Beyond performance requirements, we also had to operate within a highly regulated construction zone, meaning safe delivery coordination, clear working zones and compliant documentation were essential throughout the process.

Our Solution

Following a detailed assessment of the architectural plans and project brief, we developed a bespoke, multi-product solution that maximised density while maintaining a consistent user flow.

Gas-Assisted Two Tier Racks

The backbone of the installation was 230 Gas-Assisted Two-Tier Cycle Racks, selected for their ability to provide extremely high capacity while maintaining ease of use. The two-tier racks delivered:

• 375mm centre spacing for safe, efficient bike placement.
• Gas-assisted lifting arms for reduced lifting effort.
• Hot-dipped galvanised steel components (BS EN ISO 1461:2022).
• Secure locking hoops to allow securing both wheels and the bicycle frame.
• BREEAM-compliant manufacturing, made in Britain.

Individual Lower-Level Channels

The client opted to replace many standard hoop positions with lower channels, providing an intuitive wheel guide system that makes ground-level parking more stable and user-friendly. This was particularly effective for:

• Reducing handlebar clashes.
• Avoiding frame-to-frame contact.
• Ensuring a tidy, consistent arrangement across tightly spaced units.

Sheffield Stands

To ensure accessibility for users who cannot load bikes onto upper tiers or prefer simpler systems, we installed a series of galvanised Sheffield Stands in Cycle Store A. These stands offer:

• 50mm diameter mild steel construction.
• Overground fixing.
• Galvanised finish matching the wider system.
• High durability for long-term use.

Folding Bike Lockers

To accommodate multi-modal users, particularly commuters using folding bikes, we installed 30 folding lockers, creating a secure, structured location for compact bike storage. These lockers help reduce clutter in communal spaces and improve the user experience for tenants who require discrete, standalone bicycle storage solutions.

Challenges & Resolutions

1. Working Within Restricted Room Geometries
Both cycle stores included irregular geometries, tapered corners, and fixed structural elements that reduced workable floor area.
Resolution: We used precise measurement and adaptive layouts to maintain BREEAM-compliant spacing.

2. Large Volume of Two-Tier Racks in a Live Site
High-density systems require millimetre accuracy and uninterrupted working zones.
Resolution: We staged installation phases and controlled access zones to maintain safety and workflow efficiency.

3. Multi-Product Coordination
The combination of two-tier racks, lower channels, Sheffield stands, and bike lockers required careful sequencing.
Resolution: We used a zone-by-zone approach, installing lower-level systems first, followed by upper-level and vertical units.

4. Site Logistics Restrictions
The Mace site imposed restrictions on vehicle size, unloading points, and movement.
Resolution: We adhered to the site's traffic management plan and coordinated directly with the logistics team.

Canada Water reflects The Bike Storage Company's position as a leading provider of commercial cycle storage in the UK, capable of delivering complex, multi-layered installations within demanding construction environments. The result is a modern, resilient, and beautifully engineered active travel facility that will serve the development for years to come.