Canary Wharf group battles council over office-to-residential conversion

The Canary Wharf Group has clashed with Tower Hamlets council over red tape that could prevent it from converting empty office space into residential flats. As landlords attempt to futureproof the area while workers shun the office, tensions have arisen after calls from Tower Hamlets council to keep Canary Wharf office-led. Paul Swinney, director of policy and research at Centre of Cities, said: "There is tension between the council and Canary Wharf landlords. The council is looking to take a long- term view on its plan for the area and they don't want to be too reactive and change things too quickly. Tower Hamlets and City Hall will have to look at how large London's economy is and give it the space it needs to grow. We wouldn't want businesses to look for commercial space elsewhere." 

The Daily Telegraph (08/02/2024)