Skyscraper Reaches for Silver Lining

Ordinary people are getting an unexpected side benefit from the troubled Canary Wharf project: A chance to enjoy the best view in London.

Administrators of Europe’s largest commercial property development announced that people will be able to ascend to its 50th floor and check out the views from the vacant office space.

Although final details are still being worked out, it apparently will cost a little less than $6 to take the 55-second elevator ride and gaze out over 30 miles of Britain on a clear day.

Canary Wharf’s top views were originally intended for the enjoyment only of high-paying corporate tenants.

But Canadian developer Olympia and York lost control of the project this year in a growing financial crisis brought on by the depressed property market.

Bankers now seeking a buyer for Canary Wharf are not quite sure what to do with the complex.

As the banks ponder an offer valued at $677.8 million from a Wall Street group that includes CBS Inc. Chairman Laurence Tisch, the decision was made to let the common folk enjoy the view from on high, at least for a while.

But there’ll be little more than the view to enjoy.

A spokesman for Canary Wharf said some maps may be installed to give visitors a better sense of the location of landmarks on the ground, and soft drinks will probably be available.

But that’s about it. “There’s no plan to open a four-star restaurant up there,” the spokesman said.