Canary Wharf

The Canary Wharf development, built on abandoned docklands in London's East End, became a center of modern finance due to its large open floorplates and excellent infrastructure. Initially conceived to rival The City, the traditional heart of the UK's financial services, Canary Wharf thrived after the government connected it to London's subway network. By 2017, the project’s buildings boasted 16 million square feet for over 100,000 workers. However, significant challenges emerged, particularly due to Brexit and the rise of fintech companies. In addition, the initial concept of Canary Wharf did not consider residential or retail spaces, resulting in a district primarily centered around work rather than a holistic community. 

Canary Wharf's owners therefore faced two challenges: ensuring the area remained attractive to financial firms despite the geopolitical uncertainties posed by Brexit and fintech, and diversifying the district's appeal to make it a place where people not only worked but also lived and played.