Redevelopment of London’s City Place House approved by Council

The City of London Corporation has granted planning permission to see a new 13-storey office-led development constructed, near to London’s Guildhall.

The plans by Great Portland Estates plc contain more than 44,500 sqm of flexible office space, including some affordable space to support small businesses and start-ups, and over 1,000 sqm of floorspace for retail and hospitality.

Chair of the Planning and Transportation Committee at the City of London Corporation, Alastair Moss, said: ‘The new plans for City Place House are another striking example of the future of the Square Mile and the ongoing confidence in the City by urban developers.

‘Ambitious office developments which consist of high quality, flexible office floorspace and which make exemplary contributions to the public realm are helping to cement the City’s role as the world’s leading business centre as we recover from the coronavirus pandemic.

‘This development also gives back to all City residents, workers and visitors through its strong sustainability credentials including urban greening to support air quality and biodiversity and a commitment to improving access and conditions for pedestrians and cyclists.’

The development will see a 64% increase to publicly accessible areas within and around the site, including a new landscaped pedestrian route between Basinghall Street and London Wall.

Urban greening elements are used within the design, such as a green roof and planted terraces for the use of the occupiers, alongside a re-landscaped public terrace.

The development is also contributing £200,000 towards the enhancement and landscaping of the nearby Brewers’ Hall Gardens.

The project will support active travel in the city, in line with the City Corporation’s Transport Strategy, by including 831 long stay and 88 short stay cycle parks, exceeding the London Plan cycle parking requirements for a development of this size.

Development director of Great Portland Estates, Andrew White, said City Place House is next in their near-term development pipeline, and they hope to start the project in early 2022.

In related news, work has begun on a new project that will turn the derelict Granton Station into a community hub for residents in Edinburgh. 

Photo supplied by the City of London Corporation