Cody Dock was constructed in the early 1870s to service the newly built Bromley-by-Bow gasworks. Coal ships from Newcastle unloaded into smaller lighters, which travelled upriver to the dock to supply the gasworks.

When the gasworks closed in 1966 the dock became redundant and was neglected for many years. Part of the dock was filled in and the land was used for dumping until thousands of tons of waste partially hid the site.

In 2005 Simon Myers discovered the site. Despite its dereliction he realised there was the potential to open up the dock so locals could enjoy the river and use the space for community activities. In 2009 the Gasworks Dock Partnership was established; Cody Dock is now open to the public in the day and there are plans for a new swing bridge to connect the dock with the footpath beyond.

Cody Dock is home to a café, studios, gallery space, a variety of gardens and artworks and even a community boat refurbished on-site. It celebrates both the natural and industrial heritage of the Lower Lea River.