A new report has imagined a future where ravers head to the disused office blocks of the financial district on the weekends. Is this madness or genius? Two experts go head to head in this week’s Debate

YES: This is not about replacing financial services with fun

As London’s financial sector navigates a period of uncertainty and contraction, the towering glass corridors of Canary Wharf and the City face a looming identity crisis.

But within this challenge lies a remarkable opportunity: to reimagine underused office spaces as vibrant hubs for the night-time economy. With limited residential density in these districts, there’s a unique chance to build a world-class nightlife offer that doesn’t clash with neighbours’ sleep schedule, a rare asset in a densely populated metropolis.

The pandemic reshaped working patterns, accelerating the decline in daily footfall in commercial districts, particularly at weekends. But what if these same spaces, once synonymous with high finance and long commutes, became destinations for after-dark culture, entertainment and social connection?

From rooftop music venues and immersive digital art galleries to late-night food halls and experiential bars, the vertical nature of office........

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