Record numbers into Canary Wharf – 19.12.22

Figures from Transport for London (TfL) show record numbers of people traveling into Canary Wharf in November and December 2022. This reflects the transformation that has taken place across Canary Wharf into one of the UKs most sustainable, mixed-use neighbourhoods offering an extraordinary environment to all those who work, live and visit the Estate.

Midweek¹ travel is back to pre-pandemic levels compared to the same week in 2019. The data also shows midweek evening visitors between 4pm and 10pm are 50% higher than the same week in 2019².

Similar trends were seen last weekend on Saturday 10^th and Sunday 11^th December with a 50% increase in visitors to Canary Wharf – compared to the equivalent weekend in 2019.

This is consistent with the overall upward trend Canary Wharf has seen in the last 3 months with visitors to the Estate matching or exceeding pre-pandemic levels. It also reflects Canary Wharf as a destination for retail and leisure, with over 300 retail offerings including 80 bars and restaurants, and a range of amenities including open water swimming, go kart racing, London’s longest running ice rink, the UK’s largest collection of free outdoor art as well as over 20 acres of green spaces and 5km of waterside boardwalk for everyone to enjoy. 

Over the last 12 months Canary Wharf has also built up a residential community with over 3,500 people now living on the Wharf and approximately 150,000 people living within 1 mile.

Canary Wharf saw the opening of the Elizabeth line earlier this year, which together with the Jubilee line and the DLR provides quicker, easier access between the East and West of London.

A number of new occupiers have recently taken office space at Canary Wharf this year including Genomics England, Objectway and Sunny Investments. Existing office occupiers including Fisher Investments, Datatonic and Adamsons Associates, have also expanded and taken more space.

Shobi Khan, CEO of Canary Wharf Group said: “This data is part of an upward trend of visitor levels to Canary Wharf and aligned with increases we have seen in footfall. People are heading back to the office, and residents as well as visitors are enjoying the variety of bars, restaurants, shops and outdoor activities on the Estate. Canary Wharf is a new neighborhood where people can rent or buy homes, work and use world leading leisure amenities. We expect to see continued benefits with our Winter Lights festival returning in January.”

Mark Ashton-Rigby, Chief Operating Officer, Barclays said: “At Barclays, we are transforming our London headquarters in Canary Wharf. An environmentally sustainable, innovative and exciting place to work that supports colleague wellbeing is essential to attracting and retaining talented people, and Canary Wharf Group’s investment in the wider environment is part of creating that sought-after destination.”

EBRD President Odile Renaud-Basso said: “We completed our move to Canary Wharf in October, and we are delighted with our new HQ, one of the most sustainable developments in Europe. More than 2,800 staff are now based here, combining office working with remote. We’re enjoying the experience – getting used to the new facilities around us and experiencing the best view in London from the top floor of our new building!”

The Deputy Mayor for Transport, Seb Dance, said: “I’m delighted by the positive news that record numbers of people have been travelling into Canary Wharf. We’re starting to see ridership across TfL’s network increasing as more and more people return to the office and travel to make the most of the hospitality, retail and culture on offer in central London. Looking ahead, I know London’s world-class public transport network will continue to play an essential role in our recovery from the pandemic as we work to build a greener and fairer city for everyone.”

Richard Hilton, CEO of Fairgame said: “We are thrilled to be a part of Canary Wharf’s continued development. Fairgame opened its doors in early October, and shortly afterwards, found ourselves fully booked until the end of the year. Evenings and weekends are consistently busy, with demand far outpacing availability. While many of our customers work in Canary Wharf, the vast majority travel in from either central London or its outskirts. Excellent transport links combined with an unbeatable hospitality offering mean that Canary Wharf has well and truly become a destination in its own right.”

¹ Tuesdays – Thursdays

² Comparing Thursday 8^th December 2022 with Thursday 12^th December 2019.

ENDS

For further information, please contact:

Press Office
Canary Wharf Group plc
T: 020 7418 2166
E: pressoffice@canarywharf.com