The City of London Corporation has resolved to grant planning permission for the high-quality redevelopment of 2 Aldermanbury Square at 40-55 Basinghall Street.

Great Portland Estates GPE is building a new 13-storey office-led development comprising over 44,500m2 of flexible office space (including some affordable space to support small businesses and start-ups) and in excess of 1,000m2 of floorspace for vibrant active retail and hospitality uses.

The building designed by Allies and Morrison is expected to reach a BREEAM rating of ‘Outstanding’ and will see a 64% increase to publicly accessible areas within and around the site, including a new landscaped pedestrian route between Basinghall Street and London Wall.

The scheme will feature a green roof and planted terraces for use of the building occupiers. There will also be a re-landscaped public terrace and a contribution of £200,000 towards the enhancement and landscaping of the nearby Brewers’ Hall Gardens.

The development includes 831 long stay and 88 short stay bike parks which exceeds the London Plan cycle parking requirements for a development of this size.

Chair of the Planning and Transportation Committee at the City of London Corporation, Alastair Moss, commented: “The new plans for City Place House are another striking example of the future of the Square Mile and the ongoing confidence in the City by urban developers.

“Ambitious office developments which consist of high quality, flexible office floorspace and which make exemplary contributions to the public realm are helping to cement the City’s role as the world’s leading business centre as we recover from the coronavirus pandemic.

“This development also gives back to all City residents, workers and visitors through its strong sustainability credentials including urban greening to support air quality and biodiversity and a commitment to improving access and conditions for pedestrians and cyclists.”

Development Director of Great Portland Estates, Andrew White, added:
“City Place House is next in our near-term development pipeline with a potential start in early 2022.

“It will provide an exemplary building that meets the needs of current and future occupiers whilst delivering the highest standards of sustainability together with expanded public realm and amenity.”

The City Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee granted outline planning permission to the scheme at its meeting on 29 June. The decision has now been formalised in line with the Court of Common Council’s COVID Approval Procedure.

The application was submitted 18.02.2021. City of London planning ref. no. 21/00116/FULMAJ.