One Canada Square

I read an article in this weekend’s FT (the Financial Times), and I was intrigued by the contributor’s love for Canary Wharf, especially One Canada Square.

If you’ve been reading my posts, you’ll know that I worked in One Canada Square for an Investment Bank. What was it like waltzing through the shiny doors?

Thankfully, I worked New York hours, so I missed the morning and evening rush trying to catch a lift. However, anyone in the financial district knows that time is money and that everything works in the shiny hood.

Two Lifts To the Top

No single lift was taking you from the bottom to the top. I had to take two lifts to get to the 46th floor. It would take about 5 minutes to get up there. Thankfully, I never experienced any problems with lifts out of order. That rarely happened in One Canada Square.

Fireman’s Drill

We were gearing up for the annual Fire Drill. This was something each company did after 9/11. These practice runs helped them achieve their risk objectives.

I remember walking up to my manager and saying I wasn’t going down 46 floors by stairs. Not because I was being difficult, but I recently had a knee issue, and I wasn’t going to be able to go down the stairs.

I can’t remember if I had to produce any medical documentation, but thankfully, she said I could go down the Fireman’s Lift instead. What an experience that was, too. We had one Fireman guide us down to the group by lift. We were down in less than five minutes.

We met some of our colleagues down in the meeting area outside the building. The bankers were mentally and physically prepared for the challenge, whilst many of the support teams looked a bit worse for wear.

On the way out at 10 pm, my car would wait for me to drive me home. The financial district is the only local hood with the lights on as the Money World never sleeps.

As my driver drove me home, I would glance around to see many people still working. Friday evenings had a different vibe because the bars would be packed with office workers winding down after an intense day/week in the office.

As the roads were clear, the journey would be smooth and easy. I couldn’t help thinking about the world I left each evening, to the world I saw within metres of the lit-up glass buildings. Two parallel worlds that rarely seem to mix.

The Lights Were Always On

One could spot One Canada Square anywhere, especially with its flashing light at the top of the building. It is a reassuring sight for anyone coming into City Airport.

A Mellow Business Vibe

Since my time in Canary Wharf, I’ve noticed the place has mellowed significantly. It’s become a destination, and it’s become so green, with lots of space to sit and relax. Jubilee Gardens was the green highlight. Thankfully, it’s a different story these days.

In my time, it was a Monday-to-Friday place with very little to do. One would never consider ‘hanging out’ in Canary Wharf over the weekends.

These days, there’s so much to do. Canary Wharf even has its own Theatre, currently staging The Hunger Games.

Stark Reality

I recently took a bus (277) which goes directly to Canary Wharf from where I live. It took less than 40 minutes on Saturday morning, and it was very nice. One knew when the bus turned into Limehouse and up the road to Canary Wharf, that one was leaving the real world behind.

Normally, buses get the green light quickly. Our bus stopped at the checkpoint, and we were held up behind a vehicle. The security team were quick to check the vehicle.

We had entered into a different world. The surrounding area has a lot of social housing. Yet, Canary Wharf feels like a different world away from the world we left behind just a few metres ago. Thankfully, Moneyhood’s influence has had a positive impact on the surrounding areas, especially regarding transport links.

Well Connected

As it’s so well-connected, going to Canary Wharf is a pleasure, especially off-peak.

I can go by

✳️Uber Boat

✳️Direct Bus

✳️Tube - the Elizabeth Line is great

✳️DLR

✳️Train

✳️Taxi

Parting Comments

These days, I enjoy going to Canary Wharf to do a bit of shopping or to enjoy lunch near the riverside. I see the Financial District continuing to grow. District Four is shaping up nicely, especially near Water Street. Here you’ll find the residential area with blocks of Apartments for sale.

I’ve seen new roads, buildings and social places making Canary Wharf a weekend destination. Despite the financial challenges after COVID, the area seems to be evolving to meet the needs of today and tomorrow.

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