Planning approved for new City commercial tower

The City of London Corporation has granted planning permission for a 30-storey office-led development in the City of London; the square mile’s first tall building approval of 2021.

Developer Tenacity’s scheme at 55 Gracechurch Street, located between Monument station and Leadenhall Market, is said to embody many of the emerging trends for post-pandemic office space – delivering a ‘workplace destination’ alongside extensive retail, cultural, public art and open space.

The new office areas will include social and breakout zones to promote collaboration and innovation, and the building’s floorplan offers space for large businesses as well as SMEs and growth stage companies.

Seeking to achieve BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating, the first tall building in the City Cluster to do so, the development includes sustainability measures such as reusing and recycling building materials, being highly energy-efficient and innovative systems which allow for free cooling for most of the year.

An ambitious urban greening approach including extensive green walls, green roofs and tree planning will reduce noise and air pollution while providing access to nature and biodiversity.

A free-to-access garden terrace, offering a suspended treetop walkway and panoramic views across London, will also be made available to the public. An innovative ceiling system will harvest rainwater to simulate rainfall to irrigate the plants.

Chair of the Planning and Transportation Committee at the City of London Corporation, Alastair Moss, said: “We remain positive about the long-term future of the City office despite the current lockdown. It is fantastic, therefore, to see this significant vote of confidence from the developers of 55 Gracechurch Street.

“The building design embraces emerging development trends, such as flexible workspace, greening and access to fresh air – all of which were rising trends that have now been embedded into building design as a result of the pandemic.

“Of particular merit to this development is an innovative ventilation strategy which uses fresh air, filtered from outside, to cool the office floors.

“The development will even reuse stonework from the existing building and include recycled steel with a commitment of an impressive 98% diversion of construction waste to landfill.”