I used to work right on Old Street roundabout in the BT building on the NW corner, back in the late 90s. This was about the time that some of the old buildings nearby were just being converted into loft apartments. I guess the writing was on the wall even then, although the area was a backwater languishing in geographical obscurity. The pubs were unbelievably seedy dives (or worse). There was one bright spot, though, which was the street market in Whitecross Street. I don't think that exists any more. Oh well, that's what passes for progress, I suppose.