Canary wharf

Wednesday

Alfie Pearce-Higgins

I just want to swim

From our UK edition

As we sweat through the second heatwave of the summer, we are once again reminded of how poorly our country is set up to deal with hot weather. Leaving aside the lack of air conditioning and the sweltering trains, one of our biggest deficiencies is our lack of access to safe swimming. However, a new pool in the heart of London’s Canary Wharf shows what is possible. It could be the start of a natatorial renaissance across the country. I’ve always had issues with Canary Wharf. For three years in my early 20s, I masqueraded as a banker and the looming glass towers still bring back dark memories of suits and spreadsheets.

Thursday

Stuart Jeffries

Skyscraper squats and a lesson from India: the future of British architecture

From our UK edition

Not long ago, if you asked discreetly in the right Hackney pub, you would be put in touch with a character called Syd the Squatbroker. For as little as £150, he would gain access to the roof of an abandoned council tower block with a set of fireman’s keys. Then Syd (nom de guerre of a carpenter from Harlow) would abseil down to a window, gain entry and open an empty flat. Sometimes he would cut through heavy steel squat guards using oxyacetylene cutting gear. Latter-day squatbrokers aren’t yet abseiling down the Shard or Canary Wharf’s glass and steel phalluses to liberate underused office spaces and thereby help solve London’s housing crisis, but you’d think they must be tempted. Post-Covid, home working is becoming permanent.