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Fringe scheme start

City scheme poised

City consent

Major scheme starts on site

City refurbishment plan

Plans approved

New plans revealed

Strand site sold

Soho scheme poised

Revised consent in EC3

St James redevelopment

Contractor tipped

Architect for scheme

Mayfair redevelopment

London Offices – An Olympic Year?

Application in EC1

Tower contractor

Tenders to be invited

City scheme application

West end consent

Architect replaced

Liverpool Street consent

Consent for Noho scheme

Planning consent

Midtown consent

Potential in WC2

West end application

West end start

West end consent

Consent in SW1

EC3 construction to start

West end start planned

Southbank re-design

Revised Midtown scheme

New application in EC3

West End start

Mayfair application

Mayfair refurbishment plan

Refusal in SE1

City scheme start

Scheme discussions

City fringe application

Mayfair start tipped

City scheme underway

Refurbishment possible

Early days for SE1 scheme

Phase 2 start date

Contractor shortlist

Clerkenwell consent

Development site sold

Refubishment opportunity in SW1

Southbank consent

Midtown consent

Southbank application

Cheapside consent

Broadgate redevelopment plan

EC2 office start

London Office Market – Special Report

New plans for West End site

Planning application submitted

Major West End development

City consent

Mayfair scheme start

Consent for Farringdon scheme

Demolition in EC3

St James's demolition start

Mayfair office start

Revised City scheme

Contractor start in WC2

Office application in W1

Soho consent

Revised consent in EC2

Developer appointed

Major Soho consent

Knightsbridge redevelopment

Fitzrovia redevelopment

W2 plans approved

Midtown application

Architect change in EC3

Docks scheme could be revived

Consent in W1

Major West End application

Redevelopment may follow purchase

City site changes hands

Leadenhall triangle site bought

City refurbishment plan

Noho scheme underway

City tower to start in 2012

Mayfair start imminent

New application in Farringdon

Paddington scheme consent

Contractor appointed

City scheme likely

LandSecs submits plans

City refurbishment start

Contractor appointed for SW1 scheme

Options for West End Building

Midtown scheme planned

Mayfair consent

New City application

Towering Ambition

London’s next development cycle is now well underway with some 30 office schemes starting in the last six months, amounting to 510,962 sq m (5.5m sq ft) of new space coming on-stream.

Skyscrapers are topical again, and in this CityOffices newswire we look in detail at the unprecedented ‘clutch’ of new office towers (defined as 20+ storeys) nearing completion, underway and planned.

The last development cycle saw completion of the 37,160 sq m (398,000 sq ft), 34-storey Broadgate tower, EC2, now largely fully let; the 38,740 sq m (417,000 sq ft) 36-storey 125 Old Broad Street, EC2 has only 5,000 sq ft still available; the 55,091 sq m (593,000 sq ft), 36-storey Ropemaker Place, EC2, which is fully let; and the 25-storey, 30,750 sq m (331,000 sq ft) Drapers Gardens scheme in Throgmorton Avenue, EC2, which was pre-let.

All the above towers are in the City of London and interestingly there were no skyscrapers completed in Canary Wharf in the last cycle, or, less unusually, in the West End, Midtown or fringe. The almost-complete 59,921 sq m (645,000 sq ft), 46-storey Heron Tower in Bishopsgate, EC2, will end the tower building activity for the 2006-2011 property cycle.

The next cycle will see completion of the 75,901 sq m (817,000 sq ft), 80-storey, Shard, SE1 in 2012; the 63-storey, 111,482 sq m (1.2m sq ft) Pinnacle, EC2, in 2013; the 37-storey, 79,895 sq m (860,000 sq ft) 20 Fenchurch Street, EC3 (Walkie Talkie) and 47-storey, 67,075 sq m (722,000 sq ft) Leadenhall Building (Cheesegrater) both in 2014.

Schemes which are not yet under construction and may be completed in the next cycle are the 40-storey, 71,534 sq m (770,000 sq ft) 100 Bishopsgate, EC3, where a 2011 start is envisaged; the 22-storey, 27,870 sq m (300,000 sq ft), 60-70 St Mary Axe, EC3 (Can of Spam); and the 21-storey 93,440 sq m (1m sq ft) Aldgate Place, E1.

Elsewhere, a possible 20-storey plus scheme is being designed for Elizabeth House, and a 31-storey scheme for Kings Reach House, both in SE1. At Canary Wharf, the 2m sq ft redevelopment of Heron Quays is planned to include a 33-storey tower and there are still outstanding proposals for a 43-storey part office tower at Crossharbour; a 43-storey tower at Millharbour; and a 63-storey tower at the site formerly known as Columbus Tower in E14. In the West End, plans for the Victoria Interchange include a tower of up to 20-storeys.

The question is how successful are these new towers likely to be? The Gherkin (30 St Mary Axe) in EC3, has rapidly became a London icon, but 10-years ago, post 9/11, it was very slow to let, with over 50% still vacant on completion. Other high-rise buildings such as Centrepoint in the West End and 1 Canada Square at Canary Wharf were slow to let in the early days. Despite these examples developers seem keener than ever to build towers.

In total some 315,868 sq m (3.4m sq ft) of office space is under construction in five office towers, but still available, with a further 260,126 sq m (2.8m sq ft) in towers that could start in 2011 or 2012. These are big numbers, however, to put it in context, the City of London saw lettings of new unoccupied office space of 260,126 sq m (2.8m sq ft) in 2010, so a single year’s take-up could almost fill them. The five towers will be completed over a four-year period, during which they will currently face limited competition from newly completed, large, low-rise schemes in the City.





Experience from completed towers such as Broadgate Tower, 125 Old Broad Street and Ropemaker Place shows that the majority of lettings tend to be signed-up after the development has been completed. In general, only a small proportion of a tower’s floorspace is pre-let before completion. However, the experience of the recent letting of 17,744 sq m (191,000 sq ft) to Aon at the Leadenhall Building may indicate a more active pre-let market than previously for the new London towers.

An analysis of the occupiers of recently completed towers shows that the major share (51%) is taken-up by financial services with professional services (including law), in second place (23%). With the just two sectors accounting for 74% of deals done it is no wonder that these are the main targets for developers and their agents. .



An unusual ‘bulge’ of lease expiry and breaks due in the period 2013-15 has partly contributed to developers enthusiasm in starting new schemes in the last few months; and in-turn this has led to developers with refurbishment schemes to also leap into competitive starts to achieve completion before the towers come on-stream.

The future of the next generation of towers will depend on attitude of the 200 medium to large office occupiers in the City of London now actively looking for space, or with lease expiries due in the next four years. If occupiers show the same enthusiasm for high-rise working as those firms moving in the previous office cycle, then the new towers coming to the London skyline will succeed. it will just take a little time.

Andy King
Director
CityOffices.net

- (20-05-2011)

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Victoria scheme start

Doughty Hanson and Terrace Hill Group have appointed contractor Kier to build offices and flats at Howick Place in London Victoria, SW1. Demolition of existing buildings is nearly complete and Kier is due to start work on the 280,000 sq ft One Howick Place scheme shortly. The mixed-use redevelopment will include offices, alongside 33 apartments and ground floor retail space. Rolfe Judd is the designer. - (27-01-2011)

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Overspend on HQ

The BBC has admitted that it has gone nearly £60m over budget on its £1bn redevelopment of Broadcasting House, Portland Place, London, W1. Most of the mistakes occured during phase 1 to 2004. The new HQ will become the new home to BBC News and Radio, including the World Service at the end of 2010. Around 4,500 staff are expected to relocate to Broadcasting House in the next year. - (24-02-2010)

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Glasnost - Online Project, Contact & Image Management

City scheme consent

LMS (City Road), part of Derwent London, has gained consent on appeal for the redevelopment of its City Road Estate in London, EC1, including 80-100 City Road. The proposal includes approximately 10,219 sq m (110,000 sq ft) of offices, 930 sq m (10,000 sq ft) of retail and 250 residential units within a 45-storey tower. Squire and Partners is the architect. - (14-11-2008)

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Southwark offices inquiry

A public inquiry has been ordered into P&O and Morgan Stanley Real Estate's proposed 1.43m sq ft redevelopment of Elizabeth House in London, SE1. The ‘Three Sisters’ scheme proposes two office towers, totalling almost 1.2m sq ft and reaching up to 22 storeys and a 33 storey, 277,500 sq ft residential tower. The inquiry will focus on the 'appropriateness of tall towers at this location'. Completion was planned for 2011. - (07-11-2008)

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NoHo no go!

CPC Group, the Candy & Candy venture, has transferred its equity and share in the NoHo Square development in Mortimer Street, London, W1, to Kaupthing, the Icelandic bank, which now has 100% of the project. The 1.3ha (3 acre) NoHo site was planned to be redeveloped as a 82,776 sq m (891,000 sq ft) as luxury apartments and 32,980 sq m (355,000 sq ft) of offices but the scheme may now be redesigned. Candy & Candy will cease to be development managers on the project. The site is now said to be worth £120m (down from £175m) and the bank may now sell the site or seek a new development partner. - (04-11-2008)

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Work starts at Fetter Lane scheme

Construction work is underway at Delancey's speculative redevelopment of Bream’s Buildings and Rolls Buildings in Fetter Lane, London, EC4. 13,527 sq m (145,600 sq ft) on LG,G,1,2,3,4 floors has been pre-let to HM Courts Service, and 9,649 sq m (104,347 sq ft) remains available on 5,6,7,8 floors. The completed scheme will offer separate entrances for HM Courts Service on lower floors and the offices on upper floors. - (22-08-2007)

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Middlesex Hospital plans

Project Abbey, the consortium of investors led by Christian Candy, founder of Candy & Candy, is submitting a planning application for the redevelopment of the Middlesex Hospital site on Mortimer Street, London, W1. The 1.3ha (3 acre) NoHo site will be redeveloped into 273 apartments and a 32,980 sq m (355,000 sq ft) nine storey office building. - (14-02-2007)

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Hammerson pick and mix

Hammerson has selected a plethora of architects for the redevelopment of Victoria Station. Hammerson and Network Rail are proposing to develop three office towers each designed by a different architect. The architects appointed are Rafael Vinloy, Nicolas Grimshaw and GMW Partnership. In total the scheme could provide 74,322 sq m (800,000 sq ft) of office space. One of the architects will also be appointed to redesign the ticket hall and concourse. - (01-02-2007)

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Grosvenor Crescent start

Grosvenor Properties, the developer, has appointed Walter Lilly for the £27m mixed use redevelopment of 3-10 Grosvenor Crescent, London, SW1. The scheme, on the site of the former Red Cross HQ, includes a small amount of office space (believed to be about 930 sq m) plus 17 apartments. Enabling works are underway and completion is planned for early 2009. - (24-08-2006)

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St.James's application

Britel Fund Trustees, the investor and part of Postel Properties and Hermes, has submitted a planning application for the redevelopment of 7 & 8 St James's Square and 7 Apple Tree Yard, London, SW1. The scheme envisages 10,511 sq m gross (113,140 sq ft) of offices on basement, ground and five upper floors mainly at 8 St James's Square and 7 Apple Tree Yard, plus four apartments. Net floorspace will be about 8,500 sq m (90,000 sq ft). CB Richard Ellis is advising Britel. - (24-08-2006)

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Revamp for Odeon site

Irish developer Steamboat Developments has applied for planning permission to redevelop the Odeon Cinema in Leicester Square. The company intends to turn the site into a new leisure complex, whilst still retaining the giant cinema. Part of the scheme will include the addition of a four-star hotel and 1,860 sq m (20,000 sq ft) of offices. Work may begin during spring 2007. - (24-08-2006)

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Smithfield plans called in

Thornfield Developments has had its plans to redevelop the west wing (General Market building) of the former Smithfield market at 43 Farringdon Street, London, EC1, called in and could face a public inquiry. The plans are seen as a possible conflict with “national policies on important matters”. The £150m plans are for a seven storey 39,204 sq m (422,000 sq ft) redevelopment. Other buildings in Smithfield are no longer part of the plans, which have been scaled down following the listing of the Red House cold store earlier in the year. - (06-07-2006)

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Middlesex Hospital site sold

Project Abbey consortium of investors led by Christian Candy, founder of Candy & Candy, has acquired the Middlesex Hospital site on Mortimer Street, London, W1, for about £200m. The 1.3ha (3 acre) NoHo site will be redeveloped into a 46,450 sq m (500,000 sq ft) mixed use scheme, which will include offices, although 50% will be residential. Completion is planned by 2011. Savills is advising Project Abbey. - (06-07-2006)

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Start on Old Jewry

Standard Life Assurance has started work on the redevelopment of 1 Old Jewry, London EC2. The £20m scheme and will complete during the final quarter of 2007. The nine-storey 7,154 sq m (77,000 sq ft) scheme includes 5,964 sq m (64,200 sq ft) of offices, a wine bar and 684 sq m (7,360 sq ft) of retail. - (04-07-2006)

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Offices for Brook Street

Gracemark Investments and Oppenheim Property Fund, the property investors have submitted plans for the redevelopment of the vacant £11m Melbourne House, 8-12 Brook Street, London, W1. The scheme envisages a 1,860 sq m (20,000 sq ft) refurbishment to include 1,626 sq m (17,500 sq ft) of offices, plus two floors of retail. The refurbishment has been designed by DP9. - (21-11-2005)

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Jewry Street redevelopment delay

Sir John Cass's Foundation, the inner London educational trust, is still in negotiations with the City Corporation for a redevelopment behind the 1899 façade of 31 Jewry Street, London, EC3. The new teaching and laboratory space and office planned would amount to 8,560 sq m (92,139 sq ft) on six storeys. The application for renewed permission was withdrawn from last weeks planning committeee for further negotiations. The architect for the latest scheme is Chapman Taylor - (21-11-2005)

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Consent for Drapers Gardens

The Royal Bank of Scotland has at last received planning consent for the redevelopment of its Drapers Gardens site bounded by Copthall Avenue and Throgmorton Avenue, London, EC2. The existing building is 32,996 sq m (355,168 sq ft) and the current proposals, submitted in April 2004, are for a stepped building of between five and 16-storeys, providing 37,452 sq m (403,733 sq ft) gross floorspace. The office element of the scheme will be on 13 floors and amount to 30,761 sq m (331,111 sq ft) gross external. There will be 131 sq m (1,410 sq ft) of retail space on the ground floor. The architect is Foggo Associates and Drivers Jonas is the development advisors. - (21-11-2005)

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190 Great Portland Street on site

A contractor has been appointed for the £18m redevelopment of 190 Great Portland Street, W1. The scheme will provide 10,300 sq m (110,869 sq ft) of offices and 1,395 sq m (15,000 sq ft) of retail space, showroom and gym on the ground floor and basement. Construction has just begun and will take approximately 18-months. - (02-06-2005)

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Refurb possible for St Michael House.

London & Regional, the property group, which recently bought the 35,500 sq m (371,000 sq ft) Michael House (former headquarters of Marks & Spencer), in Baker Street, London, W1 is expected to opt for an early refurbishment rather than the KPF redevelopment, which has planning consent. M&S moved the last remaining staff from the Baker Street site to its new headquarters at Paddington late last year. - (18-04-2005)

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Bath House goes under the hammer.

Investment company, Favermead Assets has decided not to redevelop the largely vacant 1960s Bath House, 52-60 Holborn Viaduct, London, EC1A 2DY and has instead decided to sell it. The company has planning permission to replace the building with a speculative, eight storey mixed scheme including 14,000 sq m (150,700 sq ft) of offices, plus ground floor retail. The building is nearly opposite the City Thameslink station northern entrance and adjacent to Lovells new HQ. Favermead will have disposed of the site within the next 4-6 weeks. Nelson Bakewell is advising Aside from the ground floor retail space the building is empty. Sheppard Robson was the architect. - (09-04-2005)

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Work starts on 71 Lombard Street.

Work has now gotten underway on the redevelopment of 71 Lombard Street, London EC3. The building is being renovated by IVG Asticus, which is acting as construction manager and appointed sub contractors for the building work, and should be ready to occupy during early 2007. When completed, the building will provide approximately 12,000 sq m (129,168 sq ft) of offices on floors 1-8 and 3,716 sq m (40,000 sq ft) of retail on the ground and mezzanine floors as well in the basement. The letting agents for the offices are DTZ and Savills and DTZ and Cushman are the agents for the retail. - (08-03-2005)

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Elephant & Castle project hots up

St Modwen, the developer, is said to be looking to bid for the redevelopment of the Elephant & Castle site in south London. The London Borough of Southwark is about to issue invitations to tender for the 71ha (170-acre) site. The scheme includes new office buildings, shopping centre, leisure uses and residential. Other groups thought to be preparing bids include Blackfriars Investments, with Royal London Asset Management, Berkeley Group, Hines, the US developer, and possibly Multiplex. The previous attempt by LB Southwark to find a developer partner fell apart in 2002. - (23-02-2005)

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Huge office scheme for SE1

Capital & Counties has submitted an application for the redevelopment of Kings Reach tower, Stamford Street, London, SE1. The scheme adds an additional four floors to the 30-storey tower, bringing it to 34-storeys and increases the 25,500 sq m (275,000 sq ft) building to 37,200 sq m (400,000 sq ft). - (15-02-2005)

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Quadrant 'West'

The Crown Estate has won planning consent for the first phase of its mixed-use redevelopment ‘Quadrant’ scheme at 83-97 Regent Street, London, W1. The 9,290 sq m (100,000 sq ft) phase has an approximate 75:25 split between offices and retail/residential. The block also faces onto 12-20 Swallow Street and 10-13 Vine Street. Construction is expected to start within three months and take two years. - (25-01-2005)

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Late 2005 start for Bath House?

Investment company, Favermead Assets has yet to begin work on its redevelopment of the largely vacant 1960's Bath House, 52-60 Holborn Viaduct, London, EC1A 2DY. The company has planning permission to replace the building with a speculative, eight-storey mixed scheme including 14,000 sq m (150,700 sq ft) of offices, plus ground floor retail. The building is nearly opposite the City Thameslink station northern entrance and adjacent to Lovells new HQ. When contacted, Favermead that it will not begin work before late 2005 at the earliest. Aside from the ground floor retail space the building is empty. Jones Lang LaSalle’s City office is advising. - (27-11-2004)

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Shell looks at market conditions

Shell UK has not yet made a decision on a start date for its £200m, 60,000 sq m (646,000 sq ft) redevelopment called Belvedere Court at York Road, London, SE1. Shell is thought to be currently "assessing market conditions" before deciding when to tender for a main contractor for the project. - (16-11-2004)

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35 Basinghall Street demolition start

A revised planning application has been submitted for the CLOUT (Pillar) office scheme at 35 Basinghall Street and 16 Coleman Street, London, EC2. The latest plans are for 25,328 sq m (272,630 sq ft) of offices and a 140 sq m (1,507 sq ft) shop unit. The new scheme includes the redevelopment of MAB's 16 Coleman Street building, which adjoins the site of 35 Basinghall Street. Demolition of 35 Basinghall Street building is currently underway. - (13-11-2004)

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McAleer takes the Swiss

British Land has sold the Swiss Centre in Leicester Square, London WC2, to Northern Irish property developers McAleer & Rushe for a reported £47m. The most likely fate for the striking, but ugly, 9,300 sq m (100,000 sq ft) building is redevelopment into a mixed-used office and leisure complex. The new building is likely to include a hotel and recently the Irish hotel chain Jurys Doyle was linked to the site. It is worth noting that McAleer is Jurys regular contractor for its UK based hotels and should McAleer included a hotel in its plans then it is not unreasonable to hazard a guess as to who the operator will be. McAleer is declining to comment at this early stage. Jones Lang LaSalle represented British Land. - (25-10-2004)

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Happiness is a completed office

Benchmark started the redevelopment of its Soho site at 15-18 Golden Square, London W1, during autumn 2002 and has just completed. Benchmark awarded the main contract to Wates for the construction of a 5,295 sq m (57,000 sq ft) 6 storey building (now called ‘Happiness’), designed by TP Bennett. The scheme includes retail and restaurant on the ground floor with 5 floors of offices totaling 4,087 sq m (44,000 sq ft) above. The letting agents are DE & J Levy and Dunlop Heywood Lorenz. - (20-10-2004)

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DevSecs to start on new phase?

Development Securities could be about to start on one of the 32,515 sq m (350,000 sq ft) second phase buildings at Paddington Central in London, W2. The financial backers to the scheme, HBOS and Morley Fund Management, are thought to be close to agreeing the funding for the next phase to proceed on this £1bn project. Development Securities has already completed the first phase of the 157,933 sq m (1.7m sq ft) development. Michael Marx, joint chief executive at Development Securities, has said “now was a good time to embark on redevelopments in central London as the occupier market started to pick up”. - (05-10-2004)

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UBS buys Mondial House

UBS, the investment bank, is reported as having acquired Mondial House, 90, Upper Thames Street, London, EC4, from British Telecom for around £55m for it’s Triton fund. City Offices, the Greycoat subsidiary, is partnering UBS on the scheme which could include a refurbishment of building or redevelopment to provide over 46,451 sq m (500,000 sq ft). BT will take a two-year lease on the 37,160 sq m (400,000 sq ft) building to remove telephone switchgear having originally planned to redevelop the 1970’s building to a design by Foggo Associates. The site could also be incorporated into an adjoining site where the Corporation of London has been considering a development. - (10-07-2004)

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Kings Cross Central plans unveiled

After a gap of 15-year new outline plans have been announced for the 28ha (67-acre) Kings Cross site in London, NW1. The Kings Cross Central development in totola will provide 743,218 sq m (8m sq ft) of mixed-use space to be developed by Argent St George with Exel and London & Continental Railways, the landowners. The main site is bounded by the Euston Road, York Way, St Pancras Station and Kings Cross Station. The 1980’s proposals by Rosehaugh and Stanhope included two Sir Norman Foster skyscrapers as part of a £3.5bn redevelopment. The new plans are for a £2bn scheme and involve the renovation of 20 historic buildings and providing 483,091 sq m (5.2m sq ft) of office space, 47,194 sq m (508,000 sq ft) of hotel space, 45,893 sq m (494,000 sq ft) of retail and leisure uses, 8,454 sq m (91,000 sq ft) of cenemas, and 75,715 sq m (815,000 sq ft) of community and education and cultural space, to include an art gallery and museum. At lease 1,800 homes will also be built. Construction work on the major elements of the scheme cannot start until the Channel Tunnel rail Link is completed in 2007. - (05-06-2004)

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Shell wins on appeal

Shell International’s plans for the redevelopment of part of the Shell Centre site in London, SE1 have been given planning consent on appeal. The scheme in York Road is to be developed in partnership with Lend Lease and is known as Belvedere Court. The development include about 32,000 sq m (344,450 sq ft) of offices, 7,300 sq m (78,575 sq ft) of retail within the existing Shell building, 4,000 sq m (43,056 sq ft) of restaurants and cafes, 11,200 sq m (120,556 sq ft) of sports facilities and 4,700 sq m (50,590 sq ft) of conference space. The scheme has been designed by Arup Associates - (20-04-2004)

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Hammerson to redevelop Stock Exchange

The London Stock Exchange has sold the freehold of Exchange Tower and a site at 24, Throgmorton Street, London, EC2 to Hammerson, the property developer, in a deal worth about £67m. The site has planning consent for 45,522 sq m (490,000 sq ft) office and retail scheme designed by Nicholas Grimshaw & Partners, which involves the refurbishment of the tower and a new build office and retail block. - (07-02-2004)

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L&G appoints on Bucklersbury House

Legal & General has appointed French architect Jean Nouvel to design the redevelopment of Bucklersbury House in London, EC4. Jean Nouvel has previously been involved in early concept designs at Canary Wharf and will work in collaboration with Foster & Partners. Stanhope has been appointed as the development manager. The 1.3ha (3-acre) site is bounded by Cannon Street, Queen Victoria Street and Walbrook and includes Bucklersbury House, Temple Court and 9, Queen Victoria Street. The new development could provide a 139,353 sq m (1.5m sq ft) mixed-use office and retail scheme. - (30-03-2004)

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Delancey submits York House scheme

Delancey Estates is planning an eleven-storey 23,225 sq m (250,000 sq ft) redevelopment of the 4,645 sq m (50,000 sq ft) York House on Lambeth Palace Road, London, SE1. The developer has recently submitted a planning application to the London Borough of Lambeth. - (24-02-2004)

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Save Smithfield Market

Save Britain’s Heritage (SBH) is setting out to save the western buildings at Smithfield Market from redevelopment plans by the Corporation of London. SBH considers that the impending fight to be as important at that for Covent Garden in the 1970’s. The General Market buildings, owned by the Corporation of London and designed by architect Sir Horace Jones, have been vacant for at least six years. Although the entire complex is within a conservation area only about 60% of the buildings are listed. Thornfield Properties is thought to be working up a planning application for office development supported by the Corporation. The site is part of a plan by the City of London to allow 1m sq ft (92,900 sq m) of development at the western end of Smithfield and the proposed Crossrail track will bisect the site. - (18-02-2004)

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Regent Street proposals submitted

The Crown Estate has submitted proposals to Westminster City Council for it’s £500m mixed-use scheme for the redevelopment of the southern part of Regent Street, London, W1. The scheme, named ‘The Quadrant’, is for 90,000 sq m (968,760 sq ft) of space and includes a five-star hotel, apartments, and about 60,386 sq m (650,000 sq ft) of office space. The scheme includes Regent Street, Brewer Street, Glasshouse Street and Aire Street, and has been designed by architect Allies & Morrison with CB Richard Ellis advising on the development. - (18-02-2004)

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Elizabeth House redevelopment unveiled

Elizabeth House, the 1960’s tower block on York Road, London, SE1, is planned to be redeveloped by P&O Properties. The developer has submitted a planning application to London Borough of Lambeth for a 116,128 sq m (1.25 sq ft) development to include a 33-storey tower, designed by architect RHWL. The site has an existing planning permission for 92,902 sq m (1m sq ft) scheme approved in 1993 in three buildings. The new scheme is for just one building and incorporates two floorplates of 4,645 sq m (50,000 sq ft) and four of 3,251 sq m (35,000 sq ft). The development will also require diverting York Road to run alongside Waterloo Station and new pedestrian links to the SouthBank. - (16-02-2004)

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Unilever submits new plans

Unilever has submitted a new planning application for the redevelopment of it’s 35,303 sq m (380,000 sq ft) headquarters building Unilever House, Victoria Embankment, London EC4. The scheme is to be developed by Stanhope and has been designed by KPF Architects. The façade of the Grade II listed building is to be retained and rear sections rebuilt. If planning and listed building consents are granted the scheme could start in summer 2004 with completion in mid-2006. Unilever is to accommodate staff at 60, Victoria Embankment, London, W1 before re-occupying the Unilever House. - (31-01-2004)

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Victoria House sold for about £160m

Garbe’s Victoria House scheme in Bloomsbury Square, London, WC1, has been sold for about £160m to Moritz Holdings, run by Irish investor Michael Whelan. Originally completed in 1932, for the Liverpool Victoria Friendly Society, the 27,220 sq m (293,000 sq ft) Grade II listed Victoria House was acquired by Garbe in 1999 from Blackfriars Investments for around £40m and redeveloped as 20,156 sq m (216,961 sq ft) of office space at a cost of nearly £40m. - (12-01-2004)

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LandSec's reveals New Street Square

The City of London Real Property Co Ltd, otherwise Land Securities, has submitted revised plans for the redevelopment of the New Street Square site (off Fetter Lane) in the City of London, EC4. The new plans are for 98,816 sq m (1.06m sq ft) of space to replace the existing 54,479 sq m (586,411 sq ft) of offices. The scheme, designed by Bennetts Associates, envisages five buildings, of between three and 18-storeys, providing 81,941 sq m (882,013 sq ft) of offices space and 3,082 sq m (33,175 sq ft) of retail space. - (22-11-2003)

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Delancey change to Bream's Buildings

A planning application has been submitted for revised details to the redevelopment of Bream’s Buildings and Rolls Buildings (Rolls House and Arnold House) in Fetter Lane, London, EC4, and the part retention of the façade of 8 Bream’s Buildings. The application has been made by Delancey Arnold & Co, otherwise Delancey Estates, and the architect is Woods Bagot. The existing buildings provide about 24,481 sq m (263,513 sq ft) of offices and the new proposals are for an eight-storey building providing 34,968 sq m (376,395 sq ft) of offices and 491 sq m (5,285 sq ft) of retail space. The revised proposals include changes to the massing and the appearance of the scheme. - (22-11-2003)

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Hammerson sell London offices

Hammerson, the property company, has sold three office blocks to reduce its exposure to the central London office market. Fordgate, a private company, has paid around £122m for 21 Moorfields, London EC2 (151,000 sq ft), and Grant Thornton House (69,000 sq ft) and 40, Melton Street (116,000 sq ft), two buildings that are part of the Euston Square Estate. 21 Moorfields is vacant but leased to Lazard Brothers until 2008. Hammerson had plans to redevelop the site and as part of the sale agreement is understood to have retained a role as development manager and an option to participate in any redevelopment. At Euston Square, Grant Thornton House is leased to Grant Thornton and 40, Melton Street is leased to Network Rail. Hammerson has retained ownership of the 117,000 sq ft building at One Eversholt Street which will allow the company to be involved in any future redevelopment of Euston Square. - (21-10-2003)

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Helical Bar scheme for EC3

Helical Bar, the developer, has submitted plans for a 20-storey tower in Mitre Square in the City of London. In a joint venture with Ansbacher Property Developments, Helical Bar is planning to redevelop the Mitre Square island site in London EC3, bounded by Mitre Street, Dukes Place and Creechurch Lane. The scheme comprises about 32,515 sq m (350,000 sq ft) of offices as well as ground-floor retail and restaurant space. Ansbacher and Helical Bar are being advised by Allsop & Co and Ingleby Trice Kennard. - (30-09-2003)

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Holborn Viaduct plans submitted

A planning application has been submitted for the redevelopment of 40 Holborn Viaduct and 2 Charterhouse Street, London EC1 by the developer Castlemore Holborn Partnership. The architect for the development is Rolfe Judd and the scheme is for a new office building of 21,658 sq m (233,126 sq ft) with 130 sq m (1,399 sq ft) of retail units on the ground floor. - (27-02-2003)

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Caxton Hall office scheme

Caxton Hall, the Grade II listed former Westminster registry office, in London SW1, is to be redeveloped as office and apartments. The building on the Broadway and Christchurch Gardens conservation area has been vacant for about 20-years. Amberswift Limited and Stanhope plc have submitted a planning application to Westminster City Council, for a scheme designed by Foggo Associates, to restore the building and create 13 flats and also build a nine-storey 5,000 sq m (53,820 sq ft) office building at the rear of the site. - (10-02-2003)

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"Lightbeam" on Mermaid

Blackfriars (PD2) Ltd, now owned by Heatherfield Limited, which is under the management of Blackfriars Investments, has submitted revised details for its scheme to redevelop 2 Puddle Dock and the Mermaid Theatre at Blackfriars Station in London EC4. The new three-four storey structure, designed by Alsop, is to be on stilts and includes a “lightbeam” on the west side of the building adjoining the “solid box” of office accommodation. The “lightbeam” is a four-storey glass box enclosing lobbies and access areas. The scheme has 26,416 sq m (284,341 sq ft) gross external space with 24,000 sq m (258,336 sq ft) gross internal office space, to include a dealing floor of 6,148 sq m (66,177 sq ft). The scheme also includes two retail units of 399 sq m (4,294 sq ft). - (02-12-2002)

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Regent Street permission

The Crown Estate has gained planning permission for its redevelopment plans at 229-247 Regent Street, London W1. The development will provide 10,683 sq m (115,000 sq ft) of offices above 5,388 sq m (58,000 sq ft) of retail and leisure space in three units. The scheme will also include 10 apartments. The development manager for the £200m scheme is Stanhope and the scheme is expected to start on-site in early 2003 for completion in spring 2005. The Crown Estate has also submitted planning applications for three other blocks at 185-191 Regent Street, 132-154 Regent Street and 13-17 New Burlington Place. CB Hillier Parker is advising the Crown Estate. - (10-11-2002)

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Spitalfields gets final approval

The redevelopment of Spitalfields moved another step closer this week with the Mayor of London granting planning permission for the scheme. The Foster & Partners scheme has 70,000 sq m (753,480 sq ft) of offices and 4,000 sq m (43,056 sq ft) of retail space. The scheme will require the demolition of half of the 80-year old covered market. The London Borough of Tower Hamlets approved the Spitalfields Development Group's £500m scheme in October. - (02-11-2002)

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Cannon Bridge sold for £167m

The headquarters of the London International Financial Futures & Options Exchange (LIFFE) has been sold in a £167m deal, a yield of about 7.9%. The 250-year lease on the 26,477 sq m (285,000 sq ft) building at Dowgate Hill, off Cannon Street EC4, has been acquired by Fordgate, a secretive private property group run by the Gertner brothers. The deal, one off the biggest this year, shows a profit for Pillar Properties, which paid Railtrack and General Electric £64m for the building in 1995. Pillar sold a 75% stake in the building to the Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association, the US pension fund, in 2000 for about £140m. Liffe occupies about half of the Canon Bridge building and has a 'rolling' tenant break. The rest of the space is occupied by Standard Chartered Bank and Winterflood Securities. In July 78 Cannon Street, adjoining Cannon Bridge, was sold by Marylebone Warwick Balfour (MWB) to Hines, the US property developer, for £53.3m. In the 1980's developer Speyhawk was considering linking the two buildings and there must still be potential for longer term redevelopment. Pillar and Teachers were advised by FPD Savills. - (06-10-2002)

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Marsham Street deal finalised

The £311m deal to redevelop the former Department of the Environment offices at 2 Marsham Street, London SW1 has finally been agreed. The Home Office and the Prison Service will relocate from six buildings in London, including Queen Anne's Gate, to the new building in February 2005. The new building, designed by Terry Farrell & Partners, will provide about 46,450 sq m (500,000 sq ft) and will house 3,000 staff. - (27-03-2002)

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Royex House plans submitted

Scottish Widows has submitted a planning application for the redevelopment of Royex House in Aldermanbury Square, London EC2. Royex House is a 'classic' slab 1960's building in steel and blue glass designed by Richard Seifert. The proposed 17-storey replacement tower has been designed by Eric Parry architects. Subject to planning permission the development could be on-site in late 2003 for completion in late 2005 or early 2006. - (04-03-2002)

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Mercer's scheme approved

The Mercers Company and Scottish Provident Institution have received planning approval for the redevelopment of a site on the corner of Cheapside and Ironmongers Lane, London EC2. The site incorporates Becket House at 81-90 Cheapside, 36-37 Old Jewry, the Mercers Hall, Daunsey House, 4, 4a, 4b and 5 Frederick Place, and 4 Ironmongers Lane. Siddell Gibson has designed a new 10-strorey building of 20,114 sq m (216,507 sq ft) gross, with 9,407 sq m (101,256 sq ft) net of offices and 1,836 sq m (19,762 sq ft) of retail space. - (03-03-2002)

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Drapers Gardens plans submitted

The Royal Bank of Scotland, advised by Montagu Evans, has formerly applied for consent to redevelop its 32,996 sq m (354,478 sq ft) tower offices at Drapers Gardens, 12 Throgmorton Avenue, London EC2. The new 17-storey office building has been designed by Foggo Associates (020 7490 4040) and will provide 30,780 sq m (331,315 sq ft) net of office accommodation along with 319 sq m (3,433 sq ft) of retail space. - (16-02-2002)

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Convoy Wharf master plan

News International’s plans for the redevelopment of the vacant Convoy Wharf site in Deptford, London, SE8 are progressing. News International has now commissioned architect Richard Rogers Partnership to draw up the plans for the 16ha (38-acre) site, which will have a mix of uses including office space. Taylor Woodrow is News International’s development partner. The site has been used in the past as a printing works but it is currently used for light industrial activities. The site is classified as a 'protected wharf' and may face planning hurdles with the Mayor's office. - (16-02-2002)

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Aldgate Union approved

Tishman Speyer Properties has gained planning permission from the London Borough of Tower Hamlets for the £100m redevelopment of the Marsh Centre at Aldgate, London E1. The part 7-storey, part 16-storey, 'Aldgate Union' scheme, designed by Wilkinson Ayre architects, will provide around 87,001 sq m (936,485 sq ft) to replace the existing 30,000 sq m (322,926 sq ft) building. Tishman Speyer Properties is advised by Jones Lang Lasalle. - (10-02-2002)

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British Land plans EC3 tower

British Land has submitted a planning application for the redevelopment of 51 Lime Street, London EC3, otherwise known as the 58 Building, acquired from Lloyd's of London. The new scheme, which also fronts Fenchurch Avenue and Billiter Street, is for 54,521 sq m (586,864 sq ft) of offices and 522 sq m (5,618 sq ft) of retail in a part six-storey, part 25-storey building, designed by Foster & Partners. - (25-01-2002)

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Juxon House designs unveiled

Standard Life Investments has unveiled the final designs for the redeveloped Juxon House, part of the Paternoster Square scheme in London EC4. The seven-storey building has been designed by Sidell Gibson Partnership and will provide about 11,891 sq m (128,000 sq ft) of office space with 1,858 sq m (20,000 sq ft) of retail space on the ground floor. The overall masterplan for the Paternoster Square area is by Whitfield Partners. The building, which has a curved classical façade in contrast to the previous 1960's 'box' design, will be completed in summer 2003. - (13-01-2002)

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140 Aldersgate green light

Whitecliff Investments and Scottish Widows have gained planning consent for the speculative redevelopment of the vacant 140 Aldersgate Street, London EC1A 4JQ with an eight-storey office and retail block. The 12,800 sq m (138,000 sq ft) building will include 11,000 sq m (122,000 sq ft) of offices and 1,500 sq m (16,000 sq ft) of retail space. A construction start has been set for April 2002. BH2 is advising. - (11-12-2001)

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New Kings Cross plans revealed

P&O Property Holdings Ltd has submitted plans for the refurbishment and redevelopment of four major buildings at Kings Cross,London N1. Block A (3,000 sq m)is known as the Lighthouse and plan retains 1870s office building with construction of 3 storey office building with retail. Block B (3,000 sq m) retains the majority of building, with some new build elements. Block C (4,000 sq m), comprises mainly refurbishment and re-building with the construction of new four storey headquarter offices, and five storey hotel to SW of site. Remaining block D retains listed facades with conversion of some buildings to create residential units. Architect is Rolfe Judd. - (14-11-2001)

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LandSecs submits plans for Southbank

Land Securities has submitted a planning application for the redevelopment of St Christopher's House and Tabard House on the Southbank in SE1. The new scheme by Allies & Morrison includes about 69,676 sq m (750,000 sq ft) of office space with 7,989 sq m (86,000 sq ft) of retail and leisure space. If planning permission is granted work on the scheme could start in 2003 and be completed in 2006. Jones Lang LaSalle is the development advisor and letting agent on the scheme. - (31-10-2001)

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Fidelity on-site at South Quay

Fidelity Investment Management, through its property arm Pembroke Real Estate, has now started site preparation for the redevelopment of the former 'The Guardian' printworks site at South Quay, London E14. The new scheme, known as 'London Millharbour' will provide a total of 71,000 sq m (764,224 sq ft) of office space and 2,787 sq m (30,000 sq ft) of retail and restaurant space, in four linked buildings ranging from of 9 to 19 storeys. Michael Hopkins and Partners is the architect for the scheme, which will be built in two phases. The Eastern Tower will be Phase 1, providing 42,800 sq m (460,699 sq ft) of offices and retail, with the Western Tower providing the remaining space. The main construction is due to start in early 2002 with completion planned for 2004. - (15-10-2001)

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Austral House revised

The City of London Office Unit Trust (Clout), which includes Pillar Properties, has submitted a new planning application for Austral House, Basinghall Avenue, London EC2. The present 9,570 sq m (103,011 sq ft) building is proposed to be redeveloped as a nine-storey 22,990 sq m (247,464 sq ft) scheme. The building has been designed by Swanke Hayden Connell Architects. The existing planning consent for the scheme was granted in December 1999, and was for an eight-storey building of 21,111 sq m (227,238 sq ft). - (13-09-2001)

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SE1 office scheme announced

Shell International and Lend Lease have submitted detailed plans for the redevelopment of part of the Shell Centre site in York Road, London SE1. The scheme now has a high office content, rather than a retail emphasis as originally envisaged, following discussions with London Borough of Lambeth. The £180m scheme, named Belvedere Court, includes about 32,000 sq m (344,450 sq ft), of offices, mainly in a new 12-storey building, 7,300 sq m (78,575 sq ft) of retail within the existing Shell space, 4,000 sq m (43,056 sq ft) of restaurants and cafes, 11,200 sq m (120,556 sq ft) of sports facilities and 4,700 sq m (50,590 sq ft) of conference space. The scheme has been designed by Arup Associates. Knight Frank is rumoured to be marketing the ofice development and CB Hillier Parker is the agent for the retail space. If planning approval is granted the scheme could be completed in autumn 2004. - (03-09-2001)

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SMUT e-mails on Spitalfields

The Spitalfields Market Under Threat (SMUT) group, which is fighting the plans to redevelop the east London market, has stepped up its campaign. SMUT is understood to have e-mailed over 1,000 key figures asking them to sign a petition objecting to the materials Foster & Partners are proposing to use on office buildings. A detailed application for the first phase of the 25,000 sq ft office complex is to go to the London Borough of Tower Hamlets' planning committee next month. - (25-08-2001)

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WGS appointed at Wood Wharf

British Waterways has appointed Weatherall Green & Smith to advise on the redevelopment of Wood Wharf, east of Canary Wharf, London E14. Discussions are to be held with the planning authorities to "maximise the development potential" of the site. The site is seen as having potential for a "high-density, quality, mixed-use office and residential scheme". - (19-08-2001)

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Broadcasting House plans

The BBC is said to be about to go ahead with the redevelopment of Broadcasting House in Langham Place, London W1, behind the Grade II listed facade. The 46,451 sq m (500,000 sq ft) building would be redeveloped by Land Securities Trillium, which includes Bovis Lend Lease, and could take six years to complete. The scheme will increase the useable floorspace by 6,967 sq m (75,000 sq ft) to about 50,167 sq m (540,000 sq ft). The construction work is estimated to be about £200m and technology costs account for another £200m. An application for planning permission may be made by November 2001. - (29-07-2001)

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Grosvenor may buy 41 Lothbury

Grosvenor, the private property company, is said to be in advanced negotiations to buy 41 Lothbury, London EC2 from the Royal Bank of Scotland. The scheme has planning approval for the refurbishment and partial redevelopment of the 9-storey, Grade II listed, building, the former National Westminster headquarters. The scheme involves a change of use from a banking hall to office (B1) use, with retail and restaurant space. The net office floorspace proposed is estimated to be about 13,935 sq m (150,000 sq ft). DTZ Debenham Tie Leung is thought to be advising RBS and CB Hillier Parker is acting for Grosvenor. - (29-07-2001)

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Greycoat to advise Exchange

Greycoat is to advise the London Stock Exchange on the redevelopment of its site on Old Broad Street, London EC2. The LSE will relocate from its 15,793 sq m (170,000 sq ft) of office space in the 26-storey Exchange Tower in 2004. City Offices, owned and operated by the management of Greycoat, is thought to have beaten rival Stanhope to the consultancy role. The Stock Exchange is being advised by Insignia Richard Ellis. - (14-07-2001)

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British Land wins 51 Lime Street

British Land is thought to have acquired 51 Lime Street, London EC3 from Lloyd's of London. There is speculation that the building could be replaced with a 37,160 sq m (400,000 sq ft) office block and Foster & Partners is said to have been chosen by British Land for the redevelopment scheme. Built in 1958, 51 Lime Street was the headquarters of Lloyd's before it moved in 1986 to the headquarters building designed by Richard Rogers, now Lord Rogers. - (14-07-2001)

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Exchange Tower on market

The London Stock Exchange has confirmed that it is to relocate to King Edward Court at Paternoster Square EC4 in 2004. The London Stock Exchange is said to have taken a 25-year lease at £12.5m per annum. Exchange Tower, currently partly occupied by the exchange, has been valued at £93m and will be sold for redevelopment. The London Stock Exchange has owned the freehold of the building since 1972. The London Stock Exchange was advised by Insignia Richard Ellis. - (12-06-2001)

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Battersea gains approvals

Parkview International has been granted planning permission by the London Borough of Wandsworth for the redevelopment of Battersea Power Station, London SW11, as a retail and leisure scheme. Detailed planning permission was given to all parts of the site not covered by earlier permissions. The latest planning decision approved Nicholas Grimshaw's designs for the redevelopment of Battersea Jetty, a 725-room hotel as part of a conference centre, with 18,004 sq m (193,800 sq ft) of meeting and banqueting space and a 2,100 seat theatre. Parkview now has consent to develop the 14ha (33.6 acres) site surrounding the power station with 1,125 hotel beds, a 44,128 sq m (475,000 sq ft) product showcase building, a 22,017 sq m (237,000 sq ft) seven-storey office building and residential units. The listed power station building will be used to accommodate a mix of retail, cafes, bars, restaurants, cinemas and other attractions. - (01-06-2001)

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Derwent Valley acquires site in E1

Derwent Valley Holdings, the specialist central London developer, has acquired Centric House, the former warehouse building, in Shoreditch High Street, London E1 for around £21.7m. The 31,586 sq m (340,000 sq ft) building has been acquired from Hayes Commercial Services and will be leased back for one-year. Derwent Valley is thought to be planning to redevelop the 0.5ha (1.2 acre) site for offices and storage facilities. The site, which is just north of the Broadgate office complex, is the latest of several proposed regeneration projects for the area. - (30-05-2001)

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M&S to relocate to Paddington

Marks & Spencer has confirmed that it is moving from its headquarters at Michael House, Baker Street, London W1 to Chelsfield's Paddington Basin development in London W2. Marks & Spencer has taken the 22,300 sq m (240,000 sq ft) Waterside building. The relocation of M&S from Baker Street is already prompting interest in the redevelopment of Michael House, and M&S is said to have appointed architect BDP to obtain planning permission for a mixed office and residential scheme that could include around 1 million sq ft of office space. - (27-05-2001)

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Waterloo 'future' is 4.3m sq ft of offices

The Waterloo area could see the development of over 400,000 sq m (4.3 million sq ft) of office space in the future, under a new unitary development plan being discussed by London Borough of Lambeth. The council has just published an 'issues' paper about the future of the north of the borough and particularly the redevelopment plans for Waterloo mainline station. In the past local resident groups have fiercely opposed office development in the area, particularly the office and retail schemes for the Coin Street put forward by Greycoat in the 1980's. - (08-05-2001)

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41 Lothbury plans approved

The Royal Bank of Scotland has received planning approval to the refurbishment and partial redevelopment of the Grade II listed, former National Westminster headquarters, at 41 Lothbury, London EC2. The scheme involves a change of use from a banking hall to office (B1) use, with retail and restaurant space and also includes 12 Angel Court, which adjoins the main building. The gross floorspace of the proposals for the 9-storey building is put at around 26,000 sq m (279,864 sq ft), and the net office floorspace is estimated from the plans to be about 13,935 sq m (150,000 sq ft). - (22-04-2001)

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BT may sell portflio to LandSec's

British Telecom is said to be close to arranging a sale and leaseback deal on its £2bn property portfolio with Land Securities. Land Securities is rumoured to have beaten Mapeley to the deal. In what is thought to be a speeding up of the process BT may now complete its £2bn portfolio sale and leaseback deal by summer 2001. BT's advisor Schroder Salomon Smith Barney is understood to have recently shortlisted Land Securities Trillium and Mapeley, the George Soros backed venture, as the final two bidders for the 7,500 sites in the UK. Oftel, the telephone regulator, has set restrictions on BT's ability to sell sites and they are to be leased to the successful bidders for 130-years and then leased back by BT on 30-year agreements. The leases are understood to have break options for BT to vacate premises after 15-years, providing redevelopment opportunities for central London sites such as Mondial House, Upper Thames Street and Fleet Building, Farringdon Street, both in EC4 - (09-04-2001)

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London Stock Exchange to stay in City

The London Stock Exchange is reported to have decided to take a pre-let on the 19,440 sq m (209,260 sq ft) King Edward Court building at Paternoster Square, London EC4. The London Stock Exchange had been rumoured to be considering a move to Canary Wharf but it is thought that no suitable space was available. In particular the London Stock Exchange is said to require "its own front door". The King Edward Court building is being developed by Mitsubishi Estates and is planned to be completed in 2004. The London Stock Exchange has about 500 staff and occupies just over half its existing building in Old Broad Street, London EC2. It is said that the exchange may now sell the 26-storey 1970's tower as a redevelopment scheme. - (09-04-2001)

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Drapers Gardens potential redevelopment

The Royal Bank of Scotland currently occupies Drapers Gardens, a Seifert-designed office tower providing around 16,710 sq m (180,000 sq ft), which was developed by Harry Hyams Oldham Estate in 1967. It is thought that the Royal Bank of Scotland could vacate the building in October 2001 and that it could then potentially be redeveloped or refurbished. Royal Bank of Scotland is said to be in discussions with the freeholder, the Worshipful Company of Drapers, about the development. There has been speculation that the development potential of the site could be in the order of 32,515 sq m (350,000 sq ft), although nothing else is known at this stage. - (05-04-2001)

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Royal & SunAlliance shortlists

Royal & SunAlliance has been shortlisting architects for a planned redevelopment of 62-63 Threadneedle Street, London EC3, which could also include 1 Bartholomew Street, to create a combined development of about 18,680 sq m (200,000 sq ft). On its own 1 Bartholomew Street could provide a scheme of around 6,500 sq m (70,000 sq ft and could be started in advance of the other building. it is understood that Royal & SunAlliance has narrowed its shortlist down to three practices. A decision on the architect for the scheme will be made by the end of April, with a planning application expected to be submitted at the end of the year. - (05-04-2001)

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Victoria plans revived

Plans by Railtrack to redevelop the major rail interchanges in central London continues apace. A £250m mixed-use redevelopment scheme for Victoria Station, London SW1, first mooted in the mid-1990's, is being revived. Railtrack is said to be working on a revised masterplan for the Victoria site, which could see an office and retail development of about 46,451 sq m (500,000 sq ft) built at the station. The latest scheme seems likely to integrate a new bus terminal within the scheme with offices above. In addition to the Victoria proposals Railtrack is currently working on plans for 'office-led' mixed-use schemes at Paddington, London Bridge, Kings Cross and with Pillar at Cricklewood, north London. There have also been rumours of investigations by Railtrack on the potential of redeveloping at Waterloo. At Victoria, Railtrack is said to be about to undertake a study, along with other developers with schemes in the area, to assess the level of demand. The developers could include Land Securities, Grosvenor Estate, and Howard Ronson International. The total future potential of developments in the Victoria area amount to over 1.5m sq ft of office space. An end-user 'demand' survey would be no doubt be helpful as at present everyone seems to be chasing Enron, the US energy company, which has the largest known West End requirement. - (26-03-2001)

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Strategic thinking

The strategic plan for London will recommend a massive redevelopment to the north-east and east of the City according to deputy mayor Nicky Gavron. The spatial development strategy will rethink London's transport provision and could support the regeneration of land in the Lee Valley and Thames Gateway areas. The main strategic policies are due to be published in a consultation document in April, with a more detailed draft by the end of 2001, and a final version ready in by late 2002. - (25-03-2001)

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£1.5bn Elephant deal finalised

The deal with Southwark Land Regeneration, a joint Frogmore Estates and Godfrey Bradman venture, for the mixed-use redevelopment of the Elephant & Castle area, was finalised at a Southwark Council meeting on Monday 22nd January 2001. An outline planning application for the scheme could now be submitted in the autumn, following public consultation on the proposals. - (26-01-2001)

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Pillar to redevelop 5 Cheapside

Pillar Property plc has submitted a planning application for the redevelopment of 5 Cheapside, London EC2, the former Bank of Boston House. The scheme designed by Allies & Morrison Architects will provide 10,264 sq m (110,481 sq ft) of office space in a six-storey building. The development will also include ground floor retail uses and a new entrance to the St Paul's London Underground station. Pillar acquired the freehold of the building in 1998. - (18-12-2000)

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Heron buys Equitable Life site

Equitable Life has sold a redevelopment site in Bishopsgate to Heron International. The site, which includes Stone House, 128-140 Bishopsgate; Staple Hall, 87-90 Houndsditch; Devonshire House, 142-150 Bishopsgate; and 13-17 Devonshire Row, London EC2, is opposite Heron's 110 Bishopsgate site (Kempson House). Equitable Life paid £45m for the four buildings in 1999 and has sold them for £60m, reflecting a yield of 7.5%. BH2 acted for Equitable Life. In September 2000 Equitable Life submitted a planning application for a scheme, by Sidell Gibson, involving the part refurbishment and part redevelopment of the buildings on the site. - (17-12-2000)

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Sainsbury to move to Holborn Place

Sainsbury has taken the whole of the Holborn Place, 33 Holborn the 27,870 sq m (300,000 sq ft) building on the site of the former Daily Mirror building. Sainsbury has taken a 25-year lease at a reported rent of around £52.50 per sq ft. The group has been based on the Southbank since 1912 and has 4,000 staff in about 13 buildings. The company will move to Holborn Place in summer 2001 and will set up a 3,500 sq m (37,674 sq ft) Sainsbury Local convenience store in the new premises. The freehold of the Stamford Street site is to be sold and redeveloped for offices and a Sainsbury store. Sainsbury is to keep its recently refurbished office in Union Street, London SE1. - (09-12-2000)

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Ove Arup decides on new headquarters

Ove Arup & Partners, the engineering consultancy, has finally decided on a new London headquarters after over 10 years of being a potential 'mover'. Ove Arup has a variety of buildings around Fitzroy Street in W1 and has taken a pre-let of 19,000 sq m (204,516 sq ft) of office space in a £44m scheme by London Merchant Securities. LMS intend to redevelop buildings in Howland Street and Fitzroy Street, part of its Cartwright Estate, in three phases, starting in 2001. LMS and Ove Arup are understood to have signed a partnership agreement on the refurbishment and redevelopment of 17,650 sq m (190,000 sq ft). Ove Arup already occupies many of the buildings on the site and will manage the project. - (25-11-2000)

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Greycoat to raise funds for offices

Greycoat Estates is said to be about to sell its stake in Tower 42, the former NatWest Tower, in order to invest in central London office schemes. Greycoat's 32 per cent holding in Tower 42 could raise around £36m. Greycoat is expected to shortly start on the demolition of Moor House, 119 London Wall, London EC2, which is to be redeveloped as a 19-storey speculative schme of 44,658 sq m (480,710 sq ft). The construction contracts for Moor House are currently out to tender. - (05-11-2000)

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BBC to extend Broadcasting House

The BBC is to bring its news operations, with 2,200 staff, into one centre at Broadcasting House, Portland Place, London W1. A new building, will be developed on the site of two existing 1960's office blocks, Egton House and 16 Langham Street. The new centre will be completed in 2008 and include 4,645 sq m (50,000 sq ft) of publicly accessible space. The BBC World Service, with 1,100 staff, will vacate Bush House in the Aldwych, London WC2 and move to the extended Broadcasting House a 1930's Grade II listed building. Architect MacCormac Jamieson Prichard has been commissioned to design the 'state-of-the-art centre. The redevelopment is likely to be carried out as a joint venture with the winning bidder for the BBC's property portfolio. - (01-11-2000)

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SG to expand at Tower Hill site

A planning application has been submitted by Healey & Baker on behalf of SG (Societe Generale), for the redevelopment of the Minories multi-storey car park adjoining SG's office at 41 Tower Hill, London EC3. The proposal is to redevelop the Corporation of London car park to provide a 9-storey office block of 23,937 sq m (257,657 sq ft) gross and 18,615 sq m (200,371 sq ft) net office floorspace. - (17-10-2000)

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SAVE withdraws legal challange

Swiss Re can now progress the development of its new headquarters at the Baltic Exchange site in St Mary Axe, London EC3. Save Britain's Heritage withdrew its application for a judicial review to try and stop the redevelopment plans in the light on new evidence. - (15-10-2000)

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Demolition of 56-59 Fenchurch Street underway

Demolition of the buildings formerly occupied by the Institute of Marine Engineering, at 56-59 Fenchurch Street and Mark Lane EC3, started in early October 2000 and completion of the new building is planned for early 2003. The redevelopment will provide a new office building of 15,793 sq m (170,000 sq ft). - (10-10-2000)

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MEPC may sell London properties

MEPC, the property company, is said to be close to completing the sale of several London properties to Benchmark for around £250m. The deal could see London overtake Tokyo as the city with the highest office prices. Benchmark is said to have an exclusivity agreement on the portfolio, which includes a 18,580 sq m (200,000 sq ft) block near Cambridge Circus, 90 Long Acre and 12 St James's Square. The Cambridge Circus building is priced at £80m and is let to BT, with about four years remaining on the lease. The property is seen as a possible refurbishment or redevelopment opportunity. The Long Acre building is partly owned by property group Asticus and is priced at £70m. 12 St James's Square, MEPC's former headquarters, is priced at £56m. - (08-10-2000)

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Land Securities may bid for One New Change

Land Securities is reported to have launched a £175m bid for the One New Change building in London EC4, occupied by the Bank of England on a long leasehold. The 1.4ha (3.5 acre) site currently provides about 37,160 sq m (400,000 sq ft) of office space and could be redeveloped to provide a much larger scheme. Other bidders for the building are said to include Gerald Hines, the US investor, Blackstone Real Estate, Tishman Speyer, City & West and a limited partnership led by Wates City of London Properties. Development Securities is also said to be a possible bidder along with several European institutions. - (25-09-2000)

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One Westminster Bridge refused permission

On 19th September 2000 the London Borough of Lambeth refused planning permission for Frogmore's proposed redevelopment of the former Count Hall Island block in SE1. The Gensler designed scheme, known as One Westminster Bridge, was refused permission following criticism from CABE (Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment). Lambeth Councillor Kevin Craig has been reported as saying "We did not feel that this was an application we could support since it is a world heritage site and next to a listed building". Frogmore is understood to be likely to appeal against the decision. - (24-09-2000)

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