The City of London Corporation has granted permission for two new office developments in the Square Mile (London).
The 45-storey scheme at 63 St Mary’s Axe and the 32-storey project at 85 Gracechurch Street will provide more than 110,000m² of Grade A office space, focusing on sustainability.
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The developments are stated to be integral to enhancing the Square Mile as a global destination, aligning with the corporation’s ‘Destination City’ growth strategy. The move aims to enhance the area’s cultural heritage and hospitality offerings.
Both towers have been designed to respect the city’s skyline, including views of the Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral.
The 45-storey mixed-use office development at 63 St Mary’s Axe will contribute 85,000m² of the city’s required floor space to meet future economic and employment growth, accounting for 4.2% of the total need.
It is expected to generate more than 4,500 jobs. The scheme also promises new public spaces, including the Camomile Park, and will showcase a section of the historic London Wall.
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By GlobalDataAt 85 Gracechurch Street, the amended proposal builds upon an earlier approved plan, offering 34,000m² of office space and accommodating 2,200 jobs.
The redesign incorporates the discovery of a first-century Roman forum-basilica, which will be part of a new public exhibition.
The project also includes plans to revitalise Leadenhall Market with shops and event areas and reopen a pedestrian route, with access to a public terrace on the fifth floor.
City of London Corporation Planning and Transportation Committee chair Tom Sleigh said: “Every new building must earn its place in the Square Mile, and these are two standout schemes that do just that. Both 85 Gracechurch Street and 63 St Mary’s Axe capture the dynamic of our city: ambitious, inclusive, and rooted in our extraordinary heritage.
“At 85 Gracechurch, we’re bringing people closer than ever to Roman London, whilst 63 St Mary’s Axe, with its elevated walkways and cultural experience, will offer a new way to move through and enjoy the city. Together, these buildings deliver over 100,000m² of top-grade office space and thousands of new jobs, cementing the city’s status as the engine room of the UK economy. Their addition to the future skyline will preserve our capital’s status as a leading global city.”
Earlier this year, the Planning Applications Sub-Committee of the City of London Corporation also approved a 33-storey sustainable office building at 70 Gracechurch Street.
