The number of residential boaters within London is increasing with more people taking to the water as a way to live sustainable lifestyles, get closer to nature and attempted to reduce the costs of living in the capital. At the same time the increase in housing density in London means that areas of public realm such as canals need to work harder to meet the objectives of multiple users. This study investigated how there could be mutual benefits to both the growing liveaboard boater population, and visitors to the canal, by and increase in the provision of mooring services. The literature review uncovered access to nature, exotic appeal, safety, mooring space and conflict as common themes between the two groups. Case studies were reviewed through the lens of these themes to establish best practice in public space adjacent to canals. The literature review and case studies were combined to develop a toolkit with specific actions addressing the themes identified. Through the application of the toolkit to a test site in west London, it was found that better canal side spaces could be developed to meet the needs of both populations, if there was sufficient space, and funding streams could be identified. The toolkit was most successful when addressing sites adjacent to the canal, as opposed to delivering on the towpath itself.