New Holland Island

This triangular island, formed by canals dug for shipbuilding in the eighteenth century, was long an off-limits naval storage and prison site before a major cultural regeneration opened it to the public. Its distinctive red-brick warehouses, including a monumental arch over a canal and a circular former prison, now host galleries, shops, cafes and a landscaped park. Seasonal events, a winter ice rink and open summer lawns have made it a favourite gathering place.