A revised proposal for a 16-storey, 360,000 square ft (33,445 square metres) building in London Aldgate, that will cost £350 million has been approved. The proposals differ slightly from the previously approved 2020 plan. It has two extra floors, which add 80 metres to the building height. There will also be fewer steel columns, replaced with a hung steel frame structure, this will reduce the total steel tonnage by 20%.
The building, situated at 60 Aldgate High Street, is being funded by two venture developers 4C and Rocket Properties and was designed by Acme.
The proposal was backed by the City of London Corporation. Members of the council’s planning and transportation committee backed the proposal, with 18 council members voted to approve the plans with only five voting against.
The committee’s deputy Susan Pearson, who voted against the plans, said: “This isn’t scope creep, this is scope absolutely striding forward. It seems to me that we had a reasonable size office… I see absolutely no reason for the additional height.”
Planning officers said “The proposed quantum of office floorspace is welcomed and would contribute to the City’s role as a leading centre for business and employment in line with the London Plan and the Local Plan. The retail floorspace would enliven the area and would provide facilities for neighbouring communities. The pedestrian routes and public realm improvements would enhance the area.”
Planning officers confirmed they had received eight letters of objection in relation to the proposed building which included concerns over the loss of the Still and Star, a pub which currently sits on the site that was opened back in 1820. The proposal is that the pub will be demolished and rebuilt bigger and put next to the office building, on the side facing Aldgate High Street.
Tower Hamlets council expressed their own concerns about the potential impact the proposed building will have on protected views of some capital landmarks that are covered by the London View Management Framework.
Photo credit: Acme
