The location of the Docklands could be one of its greatest attributes. The Docklands development was seen as the answer to overcrowding in London. The Docklands is in easy commuting distance from the city. With proper transportation it should be only a ten minute commute from the City of London.
Since the Docklands development includes more space than the City of London, plentiful land is an amenity. This enables developers to look beyond office development to recreational and residential land use. City farms, open space and planned residential communities intended to make the Docklands appealing to everyone are possible.
Water can be used in a number of ways. Its original use as transportation is no longer as essential as it once was, however boats are still used in construction for hauling debris. Water is primarily seen as an amenity to be used to increase Dockland desirability. It is a selling point for both residential and commercial property. Developers have been accused of not using water as a beautification tool to its fullest extent, but advertisements often mention watersite property. In all new development an open walkway along the river for public use is required. Recreation is another major use of the water. Business people are enticed to the Docklands by promises that they can sail, water ski and participate in other water activities during their lunch hour. Transportation to and from the city on the Thames is still a possibility, but it is slower and more expensive than other forms.