KPF Set to Transform Foster + Partners Designed HSBC Tower in London’s Canary Wharf

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Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) has unveiled an ambitious plan to redevelop and refurbish the HSBC Tower, also known as 8 Canada Square, in Canary Wharf, London. Originally designed by Foster + Partners, the 42-story building will undergo significant changes following an international competition. The remodeling will involve removing large sections of the structure to create terraces and add new functions. According to the Canary Wharf Group and the Qatar Investment Authority, this project represents the most extensive transformation of an office tower into a sustainable, mixed-use building. Construction is set to commence in 2027, following the expiration of HSBC’s lease.

Completed in 2002 and originally designed by Foster + Partners, the building has served as HSBC’s headquarters since its inception. The refurbishment project aims to enhance the sustainability of this single-use office building by introducing additional functions. The plan includes carving out terraces from the existing structure, which will reduce the overall floor area but provide a greater variety of spaces for future users.

Upon completion, the 11 million square foot building will feature workspaces alongside areas for leisure, entertainment, education, and cultural attractions. The redevelopment will include a new publicly accessible route connecting the Elizabeth Line station to Canada Square Park, enhancing urban connectivity. This project aims to boost the number of visitors to Canary Wharf, which already attracted over 67 million people in 2023.

KPF has undertaken numerous skyscraper retrofit projects, including the Tour First in Paris’ La Défense, the tallest building in Paris and the tallest office building in France, and Panorama St Paul’s in London. The internationally acclaimed firm recently completed the Atlantis The Royal Resort in Dubai and received planning permission for “Tower 36,” an office skyscraper in Miami, Florida.