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 towers lends itself well to creative reuse and panoramic appeal. Crucially, this is not about replacing financial services with fun, it’s about adaptive reuse, economic diversification and cultural resilience. London’s global reputation as a nightlife capital has always depended on reinvention. 

As business districts within city centres transform, they must not become hollow shells after 6pm. Instead, they can evolve into round-the-clock ecosystems, drawing tourists, creatives and locals alike. With strategic planning, investment incentives, and smart licensing frameworks, Canary Wharf and the City could set a benchmark for urban nightlife regeneration. 

The shift could breathe life into ageing infrastructure and catalyse the next phase of London’s social and cultural economy. The night is young – and it may just belong to the skyscrapers.

Michael Kill is CEO at NTIA

NO: The City of London is not a theme park, it’s the beating heart of global finance

A proposal by Bompas &  Parr that we convert vacant City of London offices into sprawling nightlife venues is, frankly, dangerously misguided. Yes, the post‑Covid shift to hybrid working has left pockets of office stock underused. However, turning these once‑prestigious buildings into late‑night party zones is not the solution. It betrays not only the heritage and long‑term strategy of the City, but also the investors, occupiers and communities who depend on quality commercial property.