Canary Wharf was the first station on the Elizabeth line to be constructed, and the first
to be let as a design-and-build contract, with developer Canary Wharf Group. Innovative design and construction techniques enabled the station box to be completed four months ahead of the development programme. Construction of the Crossrail Place retail and leisure oversite development (OSD) proceeded concurrently with that of station. The OSD included a number of features aimed at increasing future flexibility for the developer and tenants. A timber gridshell roof completes the development, partially covering a large roof garden that is open to the public. The OSD opened in May 2015, nearly four years ahead of the planned station opening.