Qatar Investment Authority to redevelop 8 Canada Square in Canary Wharf

Doha, Qatar: Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) and Canary Wharf Group (“CWG”) have released the first renderings of architectural plans outlining the ambition for the redevelopment of the iconic 8 Canada Square building in Canary Wharf. 8 Canada Square is wholly owned by QIA and CWG is the development partner.

Kohn Pedersen Fox (“KPF”), the world-renowned architectural firm, won a global competition organised by QIA and CWG to reimagine the building. KPF will work with a leading design, engineering, planning and delivery team on one of the world’s largest redevelopment projects. The project is expected to commence in 2027, following the expiry of the current HSBC lease.

Images of the 100,000 m² building show its transformation into a unique destination, offering premier workplaces, relaxation, entertainment, education and cultural attractions.

The redevelopment will create a unique proposition for businesses within 8 Canada Square, with unrivalled sustainability credentials, excellent transport links and amenities. Situated in the heart of Canary Wharf, the plans will enable a new publicly accessible route between the adjacent Elizabeth Line station and Canada Square Park, and bring Canary Wharf’s outstanding views of London to the public for the first time.

QIA’s investment to transform 8 Canada Square is an exemplary example of the sovereign wealth fund’s vision for the mixed-use real estate of the future, ensuring the iconic building meets world-class ESG standards and meets the changing demands of business over the long term.

The building’s changing shape creates a unique proposition for businesses at 8 Canada Square. Occupiers also benefit from being in Canary Wharf, where footfall is at an all-time high, with 67.2 million people expected to visit Canary Wharf by 2023.

Shobi Khan, CEO of CWG, added: “We look forward to working with QIA on 8 Canada Square to deliver a building with outstanding design, engineering and sustainability standards. This redevelopment is another step in Canary Wharf’s evolution into a vibrant, mixed-use neighbourhood offering workspace, retail, residential, leisure and amenities all in one location – a true 15-minute city.”

Elie Gamburg, Design Principal at Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), said: “We are incredibly excited to be working with QIA and CWG to reimagine the single-use office building as a blueprint for the highly sustainable, mixed-use building of the future. This transformation embodies the ethos behind much of our work, and we see it as integral to the evolution from the single-use neighbourhoods of today to the vibrant mixed-use neighbourhoods of tomorrow – an evolution in which CWG is already leading the way.”

CWG and QIA will work with the London Borough of Tower Hamlets and the appointed team to develop plans and submit a planning application.