Southwark Council has approved developer CIT's plans to transform the Colechurch House site in London Bridge into an exemplar mixed-use, net zero, scheme providing 518,588 sq ft (GIA) of highly sustainable prime office space, an expansive new public park and home for the Southwark Playhouse Theatre.

Designed by Foster + Partners, the new ultra-sustainable development will replace the current 1960s office block with a striking stepped profile scheme which rises up to 22 storeys at its highest point. With large floorplates spanning just over 19,000 sq ft on typical floors (net area) and generous outdoor terraces, the sustainable and well-being-driven office space will suit the needs of today’s occupiers, in this exceptionally well-connected location at London Bridge.

The scheme is targeting:
- Carbon dioxide savings of 55% relative to standard UK building stock
- Compliance with the RIBA 2030 Climate Challenge and Paris carbon reductions to limit global temperatures to less than 1.5 degrees Celcius
- 75% savings in operational energy
- Outstanding BREEAM rating
- Platinum Well standard rating

Steve Riddell, Partner and Head of Development at CIT, commented: “Modern occupiers demand the best in ESG credentials, and our new Colechurch House development is set to be a genre-defining building that will lead the way for sustainable office space, placemaking and community value in the heart of London Bridge – one of the capital’s best-connected locations that has evolved dramatically over the past decade. Designed collaboratively and priortising social and environmental wellbeing, the net zero development will also provide far-reaching benefits for Southwark through the new theatre space, public park and significant employment opportunites. Following extensive community consultation, the addition of a new lightweight footbridge ot our plans will create vastly improved communter access.”

Luke Fox, Head of Studio at Foster + Partners, added: “As architects, we have a responsibility to leverage the power of design to positively influence public life and steer urban development towards a more sustsainable, diverse and equitable future. Colechurch House is an exemplar project in this regard, and we look forward to working with CIT to make this prioneering project a reality”.

Tim Wood, Chair of Southwark Playhouse, said: “This is a hugely positive result, which will bring us back to London Bridge with a brand new, purpose-built venue that provides us with much-needed capacity, critical to ensuring the future of our organisation. We look forward to inspiring and showcasing the next generation of storytellers, theatre-makers and performers, as part of an industy-defining sustainable development that will bring a range of benefits to the local area.”

See also: Planning application submitted to Southwark Council ref. no. 20/AP/3013

Back to Colechurch House development profile.