1 Silk Street
With Linklater’s new building rising ever higher at 20 Ropemaker Street, concerns/interest over what will become of its current site at 1 Silk Street are naturally growing. A preliminary meeting for nearby residents held recently with the developers/architects for the site did not really throw much light on the issue. The developers are Lipton Rogers Developments – projects completed by them include Broadgate, Paternoster Square, Royal Opera House, National Gallery, 22 Bishopsgate. More information can be seen on their website.
The architect is Kent Jackson – Design Director and Partner in Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. He is also a “leader of SOM’s strategic climate action group…and ..strives to advance the firm’s pledge to meet the AIA 2030 and 2050 commitments towards a net-zero built environment”. He is also Global Ambassador for the World Green Building Council. More information can be seen on the firm’s website.
So what do we know so far? Not very much to be frank as it is at such an early stage of the developers’ thought process. They say they have no preconceptions and are just keen to consult closely with and hear residents’ views, which has to be a positive. They appear to be well aware of residents’ concerns (increased height, loss of light etc) and are well aware of the restrictions of the site ie that there is no public realm to speak of (current building built right to the periphery). no greenery etc. They seem to be discussing a number of options and it is far too early to give any real idea of what might be proposed. All options – such as renovate, infill, redesign – are on the table. The good news is however that they are keen to have an open dialogue with us – and, given the location, with the Barbican Centre.
As for the probable timescale, Linklaters are to occupy 14 floors (c300,000 sq ft) of the new 27-storey building in Ropemaker Street from 2026.
Once more concrete proposals are forthcoming, residents can be more fully informed.
Tenter House – pending demolition methodology
Planning permission for the demolition of the existing Tenter House, 45 Moorfields building and construction of an 18-storey office building with ground and first floor retail was granted back in September 2020.
It appears that this process is soon to begin and a Method Statement & Demolition Logistics plan has been submitted which can be viewed here.
1 Golden Lane – tree protection measures
The ‘alteration and extension’ (as it was described) of Cripplegate House, 1 Golden Lane is now well underway as nearby residents are only too aware.
A document describing the planned tree protection measures relating to the works has been submitted and can be read here.
£25m approved for Barbican Centre upgrade
It has recently been announced that The City of London Corporation has agreed £25m in funding to start the first phase of the Barbican Renewal Programme…….’to develop elements of a long-term masterplan, undertake further consultation, and deliver early systems and infrastructure work to boost the arts centre’s operational and environmental performance over the next two years. The Renewal Programme will transform underused spaces within the centre for new creative use, whilst also investing in its existing venues and public spaces, and improving the welcome, wayfinding and technical capabilities at the site…..It comes after the City Corporation launched its Destination City programme to build a seven-day-a-week leisure destination for UK and international visitors, workers, and residents’.
The full press release can be read here
City formally adopts pioneering new lighting guidance to meet net zero ambition
The City’s Planning and Transportation Committee has agreed to adopt a ground-breaking new initiative, that will require developers to submit detailed plans to minimise light pollution, at the early stages of their planning applications……The ‘Lighting SPD’ (Supplementary Planning Document) will provide guidance for developers on lighting buildings and the spaces between them, covering the design, delivery, operation, and maintenance of artificial light within the City of London.
The guidance…asks developers to produce a high-level Lighting Strategy early on in the building design process which will help to achieve a more sustainable city. Developers must also consider how lighting will complement surrounding architecture and heritage, as well as safety, accessibility and inclusion.
Let us hope that proves to be the case.
The full press release can be read here.
Planning permission granted for Phase II Podium works
As everyone is probably well aware, planning consent for the second phase of the Podium works was granted at last month’s Planning Applications Sub Committee meeting.
The City’s press release covering this decision can be read here.
And finally….City approves 55 Bishopsgate scheme, the Square Mile’s third tallest tower
The City’s Planning Applications Sub-Committee has approved planning permission for the 55 Bishopsgate scheme. The accompanying press release states that this scheme will comprise a 63 storey (yes, 63!) and a 22 storey mixed-use building that ‘will feature a free to visit public roof top, with a biodiverse climate resilient garden for relaxation, events and educational opportunities…..The development would be a distinct, sustainable and elegant architectural addition to the consolidation of the City Cluster on the London skyline delivering 103,000 sqm of much needed office space. This will provide 14% of the projected office demand required for the Square Mile up to 2036, including co-working and affordable workspace’.
At 284 meters tall, 55 Bishopsgate will become the third tallest tower in the Square Mile, behind the 1 Undershaft scheme (305m) and 22 Bishopsgate (295 m).
The cluster just keeps getter bigger, higher…..and closer
The full press release can be read here.