A mere stroll from the timeless calm of Little Venice, Paddington Basin makes a bold strike for 21st century modernity. The area is currently undergoing development, but already the iconic street furniture, voguish bars and lofty corporate headquarters give the basin a contemporary edge.

September 2004 saw Paddington Basin gain a further notch of urbane style with the opening of three pioneering bridges. The Helix bridge, designed by Marcus Taylor and located near West End Quay, is a giant metal-and-glass corkscrew which retracts to allow watercraft to pass through. The Station bridge, designed by Langlands and Bell, provides a space-age getaway to Paddington Station with a semi-transparent screen across the canal. Last, but by no means least, the Rolling bridge is a unique design by Thomas Heatherwick. When activated, this simple footbridge transforms itself, snake like, into a perfect octagon – rather resembling a hamster wheel.

Be it business or pleasure, Londoners already appreciate what Paddington Basin has to offer and within five years, the completed development promises to be a truly inspiring destination.