"This is the West India Docks Impounding Station, and huge engines pump water into the docks to keep them filled and slightly higher than the Thames so that when dock gates are opened, water doesn't rush into the docks. At full power, the three pumps inside the building can pump 65 million gallons into the docks over a four-hour period around high tide."
"The Impounding Station was built as a replacement in 1930, and the three pumps they use are the original ones, and although the electric controls are now modern, they've retained the old controls in the room as well. As an industrial facility, it's not generally open to the public, but the Canal & River Trust occasionally runs tours - and the next dates have been announced."
West India Docks Impounding Station near Canary Wharf houses three large pumps that keep dock water slightly higher than the Thames so water does not rush in when gates open. At full power the pumps can move 65 million gallons into the docks over a four-hour period around high tide. The station was built in 1930 and still uses its original pumps; electric controls are modern but the old controls remain. The facility is not normally open to the public, but the Canal & River Trust runs occasional tours. Scheduled tours are on Friday 7th and Saturday 8th November 2025, with tickets at £16.76 for adults and £9.21 for children. The station stands at Marsh Wall and Westferry Road, a 5–10 minute walk from Canary Wharf.
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