Approval given for major Fleet Street commercial scheme

Developer CO-RE has gained planning consent for a prestigious 61,300m² office scheme on Fleet Street in central London.

The City of London Corporation has approved the plans for the new 21-storey office building and the redevelopment of the adjacent listed former Daily Express newspaper headquarters at 120 Fleet Street.

According to the developer, the new tower, which is stepped back from the famous former newspaper street level elevation, will set a new height precedent in the area, which is undergoing extensive redevelopment.

The new scheme designed by architect Bjarke Ingels Group is said to tick all the planning boxes for green space, public access and improved post-pandemic environments for office workers. The upper floors of the main new office building will provide a flight of south-facing landscaped terraces.

Director at CO-RE, David Hutton, said: “This is great news for central London’s office market generally and more specifically for occupiers looking for the best space for their employees in terms of sustainability, active travel and health and wellbeing.

“After spending many years behind closed curtains, we are excited to be able to return the Daily Express Building to its former glory and open up its stunning art deco foyer to the general public.

The project is due for completion in 2025.