Banking giant HSBC is renting 11 floors of additional space in Canary Wharf due to a shortage of room in its new headquarters near St Paul’s Cathedral.
Canary Wharf Group announced that the bank has signed a 15-year lease in the building at 40 Bank Street, designed by César Pelli & Associates and completed in 2003. The leased area totals 210,000 square feet. Other tenants in the building include Savannah Energy, Saxo Capital, and law firm Herbert Smith Freehills.
HSBC will move into the 30-storey building in 2027 — roughly the same time the bank relocates its main office to the City, near St Paul’s Cathedral. The new premises are being built by Mace, with fit-out works handled by Overbury.
The deal is a positive sign for Canary Wharf Group, as several large firms have previously announced moves out of the district. For example, Clifford Chance plans to move in 2028 to 2 Aldermanbury Square, with construction expected to finish later this year.
Canary Wharf Group CEO Shobi Khan said:
“We are delighted HSBC will remain part of our vibrant Canary Wharf environment. This lease demonstrates the enduring appeal of the district, where commerce, community, and culture come together.”
HSBC has decided to leave its headquarters at 8 Canada Square in 2027. Last year, architecture studio KPF won the competition to redesign the 45-storey building, beating Fosters — the original designers from 2002.
HSBC COO Susie White commented:
“We are pleased to maintain our presence in Canary Wharf. Operating from multiple London locations continues to provide convenient client access and is a key part of our business continuity strategy. The new premises will be a great addition to our portfolio.”
Currently, several Canary Wharf buildings are undergoing refurbishment. Overbury is delivering a major project in Citigroup’s 42-storey tower at 25 Canada Square. Completion is planned for next year, with the works valued at £1 billion — the largest project in the company’s history.
In the coming weeks, a tender will be announced for another major refurbishment in the area. Morgan Stanley is considering a complete overhaul of its office at 20 Bank Street, where it has operated for over 20 years. The 14-storey building, designed by SOM, was built by Canary Wharf Contractors in 2003. The £350 million contract is expected to be contested by Overbury, Structure Tone, and Mace.