City of London Corporation grants permission to two new tall buildings

Above: CGI of 63 St Mary Axe lower floors with green balconies (courtesy Fletcher Priest)

The City of London Corporation hopes that two new tall buildings or 'towers' recently granted permission will help to cement the Square Mile’s position as a leading global destination. These significant additions are planned to add to the area’s globally leading cultural, heritage and hospitality offer, as part of the City Corporation’s Destination City growth strategy.

It has resolved to grant permission for a 45-storey scheme at 63 St Mary Axe and a 32-storey scheme at 85 Gracechurch Street, on the eastern and western side of its historic cluster of skyscrapers, in the eastern part of the Square Mile, saying:

'As the number of tall buildings continues to grow and consolidate carefully within the “City Cluster”, the two schemes alone will deliver more than 110,000 square metres (sqm) of ‘best-in-class' Grade A, sustainable office space, accommodating more than 6,500 jobs.  

'Both towers have been designed to respect historic heritage views of the Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral, with both schemes also celebrating local heritage, through uncovering and displaying a recently discovered first-century Roman Forum-Basilica at 85 Gracechurch Street, as well as the London Wall at 63 St Mary Axe. It means the public will have two new free-to-visit destinations to appreciate the City’s history, 7 days a week.'

On 63 St Mary Axe it says:

'This 45-storey, mixed-use office scheme delivers over 85,000 sqm of floorspace, 4.2% of the City’s required total to meet projected economic and employment growth. It is also estimated to provide more than 4,500 jobs, significantly contributing to maintaining the City’s position as the world's leading financial and professional services business centre. 

'The new development would also provide a range of flexible, commercial uses at the ground floor and the lower levels. Cultural and Social Enterprise Partners have been appointed to curate a unique visitor experience for the area, and with the creation of the new “Camomile” Park, situated within elevated walkways and retail units, the development will deliver a new space for local residents, workers and visitors to relax in and travel through. 

'Additionally, the scheme will reveal and celebrate a surviving section of London Wall, with around 1,500 sqm of new public open space, elevated walkways and creation of two new ground floor pedestrian routes, complete with urban greening that includes 76 new trees.  

Above: CGI of proposed of proposed immersive exhibition of Roman Forum-Basilica below 85 Gracechurch Street development (courtesy Woods Bagot)

On 85 Gracechurch Street it states:

'The resubmitted and amended scheme builds on the originally approved proposals from early 2023 delivering, 34,000 sqm of best-in-class office floorspace incorporating 2,200 jobs. The redesign was submitted following the discovery of surviving sections of the first-century, Roman Forum-Basilica and will now include a world-class, free-to-visit and immersive public exhibition, as the City continues to focus on celebrating its heritage for everyone to enjoy.   

'The finding of remains of the first-century Roman Forum-Basilica at 85 Gracechurch Street, in the City of London, is a remarkable discovery. The Roman Forum and Basilica was the place where Roman London began, from which it was administered and where trade was focussed.  

'Wider proposals for the site promise to rejuvenate Leadenhall Market, by attracting visitors with an imposing new ground-floor public hall, with food, retail and event spaces. An historic pedestrian route between Gracechurch Street and Lime Street Passage will also be reopened, with a free-to-visit, fifth-floor public terrace within the new building itself.'

In the decade ahead, the City aims to be a globally attractive place for businesses, seeking to attract workers back to the office and boost worker and visitor footfall throughout the entire week.  

Chairman of the City of London Corporation Planning and Transportation Committee, Tom Sleigh, said:

“Every new building must earn its place in the Square Mile, and these are two standout schemes that do just that. Both 85 Gracechurch Street and 63 St Mary’s Axe capture the dynamic of our City: ambitious, inclusive, and rooted in our extraordinary heritage.

“At 85 Gracechurch, we’re bringing people closer than ever to Roman London, whilst 63 St Mary’s Axe, with its elevated walkways and cultural experience, will offer a new way to move through and enjoy the City. Together, these buildings deliver over 100,000 square metres of top-grade office space and thousands of new jobs, cementing the City’s status as the engine room of the UK economy. Their addition to the future skyline will preserve our capital’s status as a leading global city.

Below: the City of London, looking east over Gracechurch Street (courtesy Woods Bagot)