A recent meeting with the developers of Alban Gate, 125 London Wall and their team confirmed that the key objections voiced with the previously submitted planning application have been addressed.
The associated presentation can be viewed here.
Key points
- No balconies are now proposed for the exterior of the building to Monkwell Square or Wood Street South
- Changes to the podium level are reduced. There is an increased reception area, one retained retail unit (the old Jamies) and one removed retail unit (the old Pizza Express) which means the space for the Highwalk becomes larger.
- All escalators are now proposed to be kept and refurbished
- There will be no pocket park
- The whole scheme now has a much more muted palette, with the emphasis now on reuse and adaptation of existing finishes and integrated wayfinding
- Planters and more greenery to be added around the public realm areas
- The existing cladding will be cleaned up and retained
- These works will be the first phase of the proposed works on the building. The developers hope that the work can start and be completed in 2024 (broad indication of a 6-9 month timescale)
- It will be a requirement to keep the Highwalk open during the works
- The application for listing the building remains ongoing. Active engagement has been had with the C20 Society but it is all taking much longer than expected.
- Better wayfinding will be incorporated at street level (this is what was meant by the word “animation”)
- The statue is likely to be retained although this may change depending on the feedback received during the consultation
The updated proposals can be found here
The feedback form is at the foot of the link. Please make your feelings known.
I thnk it is very important to retain the statue – it’s a striking piece, and has an interesting history.
My experience of that area during the weekend is lots of skateboarding. Is anything going to be done to ensure it doesn’t become an attraction for skateboarding groups?