The City of London Corporation has approved plans for the redevelopment of 70 Gracechurch Street.

The newly approved 33-storey scheme is designed by award-winning architects Kohn Pederson Fox (KPF) and targets a BREEAM rating of ‘Outstanding’. It includes integrated urban greening through living roofs, terrace planting and a green wall in Ship Tavern Passage. These measures will help mitigate air and noise pollution, absorb carbon, improve biodiversity and reduce rainwater run-off.

In line with the City Corporation’s Transport Strategy, the development promotes walking and cycling with a new direct pedestrian link to the historic Leadenhall Market to be established, and more than 1,000 long stay and short stay cycle parking spaces added – including the area for three cargo cycles.
An inclusive public gallery and winter garden at levels 29 and 30 will offer views across London and be made available at no cost to the City’s residents, workers and visitors.

Chair of the Planning and Transportation Committee at the City of London Corporation, Alastair Moss, commented: “This sustainable and energy-efficient development provides a significant increase in prime City office floorspace, which will be vitally important for the workers and businesses returning to a newly-revived City after the current restrictions are eased.

“Comprising of three staggered tower elements, the development creates a unique and dynamic silhouette, without dominating the City skyline, and it showcases sustainability measures to promote health and wellbeing.

“The scheme aspires to become a workplace destination and it embraces post-pandemic trends such as natural ventilation and generous external terraces.

“Significant steps have been taken to enliven the pedestrian flow in the area which will further reveal and establish the historic Leadenhall Market as a world leading open air retail space for all.”

Founder and CEO of Tenacity, Patrick Wong, added:
“70 Gracechurch Street will lead the way for a new generation of office led buildings in the City that reflect the changing needs and expectations of occupiers and visitors. Our proposals put the health and wellbeing of occupants at its heart, while also fundamentally transforming the public realm and visitor experience for citygoers of all types.

“Our proposals reflect the City Corporation’s 24/7 vision for the City, while also allowing us to make the most of the site’s unique location as a gateway into Leadenhall Market.

“We have worked closely with the City throughout the last number of years on both our projects and share their ambitious and progressive vision for the City and look forward to playing a part in shaping that future.”

For more information about the plans please see City of London application ref. no. 20/00816/FULEIA.