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Fringe scheme start

City fringe start

Tower reduction plan

City block may re-start

Mixed-use ideas

Former HQ refurbishment

London Offices – An Olympic Year?

Tower contractor

Tower letting

Tower work suspended

Construction suspended

Mixed use scheme consent

Central London - a Sack Full of Refurbs

Tower to start

Phase 2 start date

Tower to start

Skyscraper delayed

Southbank application

London Office Market – Special Report

Paddington tower mooted

Tower sees more deals

Tower deal in EC2

Major City scheme on site soon

Developer appointed

Contractor appointed

City consent

Fund manager takes tower floor

Tower to start (again)

Floor let in EC2 tower

City tower to start in 2012

City tower pre-let

City tower start

City office tower start

Plans approved

City scheme to start

Contractor appointed

Tower letting

Consent for SE1 tower

Tower completion

Skyscraper becomes tower

London tower deal

Skycraper review

City behemoth consent

Sale and pre-let

New City tower plan

Southbank opportunity

New Paddington tower

Masterplan revised

Gem underway

Tower refurbishment in SE1

St Alphage House new plans

Office tower tenders

Revised application in fringe

City office tower deal

Revised scheme unveiled

Cranes at Canary

Office tower letting

Shortlist for SE1 site

Tower letting for bank

Pinnacle schedule

Architect rumoured for scheme

Heron Tower first deal

City office tower deal

Walkie Talkie schedule

Mitre Square latest

Stone House redevelopment

Office tower sold for redevelopment

Redevelopment plan for City sites

Contractor appointed on tower

RCP agrees Euston deal

Revised plans to be submitted

Southbank scheme negotiations

City tower boost

Heron Quays latest

Broadgate lettings

Office to hotel

City tower plan

Pinnacle update

City tower tipped for start

Vauxhall office tower re-design

SE1 redevelopment could be revived

Aldgate scheme to re-start

SE1 refurbishment plan

Aldgate scheme to restart

SE1 scheme start

City scheme scheduled for 2011

Office tower approval at Aldgate

Office tower stalled

Revised consent in EC2

Shell tower hiccup

Three Sisters blocked

Docklands tower consent

Offices for Aldgate

Consent in EC2

Hotel tower to replace offices

City scheme delayed

Gem delayed

City tower consent

City scheme refused

Planning inquiry in SE1

January total up

Central London office lettings in January 2012 reached a healthy 850,000 sq ft. The total was underpinned by UBM's 103,000 sq ft pre-let of part of 240 Blackfriars Road in London, SE1. Other Grade A lettings included deals at Heron Tower, 200 Aldersgate Street and The Peak in Victoria. The Core saw 500,000 sq ft of deals compared to 350,000 sq ft in the fringe in a total of 40 transactions over 5,000 sq ft. - (15-02-2012)

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Heron Tower deal

Bank Snoras, the foreign bank, has taken 1,205 sq m (12,969 sq ft) on the 20th floor of the newly-completed Heron Tower at 106-126 Bishopsgate, London, EC2. The rent is thought to be around £55 per sq ft. Mellersh & Harding advised. - (24-09-2011)

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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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Glasnost - Online Project, Contact & Image Management

London: 30 new office schemes in Q1

London Springs Forward

The first quarter of 2011 marked the beginning of a new cycle in London’s office construction. Since January 2011, Cityoffices research has revealed that 30 new office schemes have seen starts on demolition and construction work. Schemes such as Africa House, Howick Place, Grosvenor Hill, and 20 Fenchurch Street (full list at cityoffices.net) are just some of those now underway. When completed, these schemes will add over 5.5m sq ft to London’s available office space.

These 30 schemes appear to be speculative as none of the developers has yet announced a pre-let; although 30,000 sq ft is rumoured to be under offer at Waterhouse Square.

It is possible that the start on the two towers; 20 Fenchurch Street, by Land Securities, and the Leadenhall Building, by British Land, both in EC3, may have prompted other developers to get schemes underway and completed before the two towers are on-stream in 2014.

Almost half the new developments underway are refurbishments. Many of these refurbishments do not require planning permission and are being bought forward quickly for the period 2011 to 2014 to meet a perceived short-term ‘gap’ in office supply.



These refurbishments include the upgrading of former premises of large companies which have recently moved into new developments. Examples include the former Cancer UK HQ at 40 Kingsway, WC2, and the former DEFRA building in Page Street, SW1.

Our research shows that a further tranche of construction should be underway in the second quarter of 2011, with a number of developers now appointing construction teams and initiating archaeological digs in advance of spring/summer starts. CityOffices is now monitoring over 100 office schemes in central London that could start this year. - (12-04-2011)

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City tower underway

Construction of Land Securities and Canary Wharf Group's “Walkie Talkie” building has finally got underway at 20 Fenchurch Street, EC3. Piling for the Rafael Viñoly designed building has begun with completion to ground floor planned for February 2012 and final completion anticipated in early 2014. When complete, the 37 storey building will provide 690,000 sq ft grade A office space in the City of London, topped by a public sky garden. Canary Wharf Contractors Limited, is the construction manager. - (19-01-2011)

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Contractors tipped for City tower

Six major office scheme contractors are tipped to be competing to build British Land's £340 million 'Cheese grater' building in Leadenhall Building in Leadenhall Street, London, EC3. Mace, Skanska, Laing O'Rourke, Bovis Lend Lease, Balfour Beatty and Sir Robert McAlpine have been identified as front-runners for the project. - (17-12-2010)

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Office tower deal

Land Securities and Canary Wharf Group have formed the 20 Fenchurch Street Limited Partnership, a 50:50 joint venture to develop the Walkie Talkie office building in the City of London, at a development cost of £500m. The site has been sold by Land Securities to the Partnership for £90.2 million and will provide 690,000 sq ft of office space in EC3. Construction will begin in 2011 with Canary Wharf Contractors appointed as Construction Manager. - (19-10-2010)

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Office tower talks

Land Securities is now believed to be in talks with Songbird subsidary Canary Wharf Group to be the development partner and contractor for its 'Walkie Talkie' office tower scheme at 20 Fenchurch Street, London, EC3. The 660,000 sq ft mixed use development is expected to be complete by 2014. - (09-09-2010)

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Broadgate start in 2011

British Land is to demolish UBS's offices at 4 and 6 Broadgate near Liverpool Street station, and erect a 65,000 sq m (700,000) sq ft building with four trading floors. The Swiss bank will occupy the new building and has agreed an 18-month rent-free period and will then pay £54.50 per sq ft. The new 5 Broadgate will cost £340m to construct. British Land and Blackstone plan to start building in the middle of 2011 and hope to finish in 2014. British Land is also in negotiations with potential tenants for its planned 122 Leadenhall Street tower, known as the Cheesegrater. - (03-08-2010)

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Approval for west end tower

Portman Estate has gained London Mayor's approval for its demolition of the 7,636 sq m (82,200 sq ft) Marble Arch House at 32-50 Edgware Road, London, W2 and its replacement with a 9,940 sq m (107,000 sq ft) tower with retail on the ground floor and offices above. The architect is Bennetts Associates. - (01-07-2010)

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Tower topped out

110 Bishopsgate a.k.a Heron Tower, the 46 storey, 230m high, building that will provide 40,836 sq m (439,560 sq ft) of grade A office space close to Liverpool Street Station, London, EC3 was topped out today. Heron International, will complete the tower in March 2011, when in addition to the office space the building will also provide apartments, restaurants and skybar. Heron chief executive Gerald Ronson said "I believe that Heron Tower has come to market at the right time.” - (12-04-2010)

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Cheesegrater revival

British Land, developer of 'The Cheesegrater', otherwise known as the Leadenhall Building at 122 Leadenhall Street, London, EC3, one of the tallest towers planned for the City of London before the recession, say it it is thinking about beginning construction of the 47-storey Richard Rogers designed tower. British Land said it was “thinking pretty seriously” about reviving the project, which will provide 82,721 sq m (890,409 sq ft) of office space 56,856 sq m (612,000 sq ft net) and 2,150 sq m (23,142 sq ft) of retail space. - (01-04-2010)

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Search for City tower sites

Brookfield, the Toronto-based developer and contractor, is seeking a City of London site to build another office tower, following its role on the Pinnacle, this time as developer. A shortage of prime office space may push rents back to their 2007 peak in three years, according to King Sturge. The company’s development unit has seen some “interesting opportunities” for an office building in the City of London, according to James Tuckey, chairman of Brookfield’s European arm. - (11-03-2010)

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Application for Canary towers

Wood Wharf Limited Partnership, comprising British Waterways, Canary Wharf Group and Ballymore Properties, has submitted detailed plans for two office buildings at Wood Wharf, E14. The two office buildings (W01 & W02-03) will be located on the northern side of the site. Building W01 designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, will be 134m tall and provide 84,600 sq m (911,000 sq ft) of office space over about 30 storeys. Building W02-03, at a height of 194m, is designed by Clarke Pelli and provides 149,000 sq m (1.6m sq ft) of floor space over about 40 storeys. - (04-06-2009)

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Can of Spam consent

Targetfollow has gained consent for its planned 22-storey office tower with retail at ground level, at 60-70 St Mary Axe, London, EC3. The building is being nicknamed "Can of Spam" because of its shape. The architect is Foggo Associates for the 39,166 sq m (421,582 sq ft) gross or 27,870 sq m (300,000 sq ft) net, island scheme. Finance has yet to be secured. A start is not expected until 2010. DP9 is planning consultant. DTZ is advising on the development. - (19-12-2008)

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Aldgate East stops

The construction of Formation’s "Aldgate East”, at 1 Commercial Street and 101-110 Whitechapel High Street, London E1, has stopped. The building has reached concrete frame stage up to 11 storeys but its future is now being decided by administrators Ernst & Young. The development is planned as a 22 storey tower with about 8,640 sq m (93,000 sq ft) of office space, 217 residential units, and 1,068 sq m (11,500 sq ft) of retail space. The Formation Group, the sports talent manager, is understood to have raised a £93m loan for the land and building work from Heritable, part of Landesbanki, the failed Icelandic bank. As part of the deal Formation agreed to underwrite £11.6m of the loan, which now becomes a liability. Completion was planned for May 2010. - (18-12-2008)

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JP Morgan pre-let deal

JP Morgan, the US investment bank, has announced a £237m deal to acquire a 999 year lease from Canary Wharf Group (CWG) on the Riverside South site at Canary Wharf, London, E14. The site has planning permission for 1.8m sq ft of office space in two towers and a ‘link’ building. Infrastructure work is underway but JP Morgan is still finalising the design of the buildings and will occupy in phases. The building will be the headquarters for all the banks European operations and could be completed in 2012 or 2013. CWG will act as development and construction manager. CWG will complete the design, planning, piling and raft construction and the bank will, subject to market conditions, decide when to instruct CWG to proceed with final construction. If construction of the building is postponed, or put off altogether, CWG will be paid for completed work and also retain £76m representing a portion of developers profits related to the development. - (18-11-2008)

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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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Green light for Shard

Sellar Property is likely to start construction of the Shard tower in London, SE1 later in 2008, after a finance package was agreed with Qatari-backed consortium - the Qatari Islamic Investment bank QInvest, Qatar National Bank and Qatari Islamic Bank. Sellar will remain the developer for completion of Shard of Glass tower and 55,740 sq m (600,000 sq ft) New London Bridge House in 2011. The schemes were designed by Renzo Piano. Cushman & Wakefield advised on planning, and Mace is project manager. - (01-02-2008)

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Pinnacle tower progress

Demolition at Arab Investment's site at 22-24 Bishopsgate, London, EC2 is due to complete in February 2008. Mace is project manager. Multiplex is to build the new £500m, 288m-high office tower which will be completed in 2010. - (15-01-2008)

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"Walkie Talkie" building approved

Land Securities, the developer, has won the planning inquiry into its planned £200m, 39-storey skyscraper at 20 Fenchurch Street, London, EC3. The 160m high ‘Walkie Talkie’ scheme, looking a bit like a mobile phone, will provide 55,741 sq m (600,000 sq ft) of office space, 1,114 sq m (12,000 sq ft) of retail space and 3,716 sq m (40,000 sq ft) “Skyroom” function facility. There are also plans for a 1,745 sq m (18,783 sq ft) office next to the tower. Work on the development could start in late 2007 for 2010 completion. - (11-07-2007)

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Demolition start at Central St Giles

Demolition work is underway at Legal & General and Stanhope's Central St Giles scheme in London WC2. The 37,522 sq m (403,883 sq ft) development will provide 37,160 sq m (400,000 sq ft) of offices, 100 apartments in two residential towers, ground floor retail space and two public squares. Completion is expected in october 2009. - (16-03-2007)

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More view less towers

An interim report from the Department of Culture could lead to changes in the protected view lines for the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and the Palace of Westminster. London's Unesco World Heritage Sites are seen as being in need of more stringent planning rules to protect them. Any move to extend view lines could be at odds with the Mayor of Londons support for tall buildings. The Government is undertaking a visual impact study to review the current London View Management Framework. Any changes to London view lines is certain to lead to a lively debate. - (15-02-2007)

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LandSecs new plans

Land Securities has revealed new plans for its (185,000 sq m) 2m sq ft office development on a site on Victoria Street, to the front of Victoria Station, London, SW1. The revised plans are now for two twin 50 storey office towers. The original plans for three skyscrapers of between 25 and 42 storeys were submitted last year but the application was withdrawn. Westminister City Council is looking for one tower of 12 storeys but powers under the Greater London Authority Bill may allow the Mayor of London to overrule the council if the scheme is refused. The scheme therefore seems likely to be called in. - (01-02-2007)

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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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Heron Tower preparation

Heron Tower Property Unit Trust has begun demolition work in preparation for construction of its 220m high office tower at 110 Bishopgate and Camomile Street in London, EC3. Site clearance works by contractor Skanska will be followed by construction in early 2007 for 2010 completion. The Heron Tower will be over 60,000 sq m (650,000 sq ft). Kohn Pederson Fox is the architect. - (07-07-2006)

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CityPoint on the market

CityPoint, the 36-storey skyscraper, on Ropemaker Street, London, EC2, is thought to be on the market and could be sold by the City of London Office Unit Trust (CLOUT) for around £500m. CLOUT was set up by Pillar Properties, now part of British Land, and Schroders, the fund manager, in 2001. CityPoint has about 52,675 sq m (566,993 sq ft) of office space and around 11,148 sq m (120,000 sq ft) of retail and leisure uses on the ground a lower floors. The building was built in 1967 and was named Britannic Tower, the former headquarters of British Petroleum. The building was re-named CityPoint after a major rebuild to a design by Sheppard Robson, which was completed in early 2001. - (28-08-2005)

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Riverside South S106 agreed

The Riverside South development at Canary Wharf, London E14, has been granted planning permission by London Borough of Tower Hamlets. The 278,700 sq m (3m sq ft) scheme by Canary Wharf Group comprises twin office towers of 28 and 34-storeys. The permission is subject to a £20m Section 106 agreement. Knight Frank and CBRE are the letting agents. - (17-07-2005)

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Centre Point up for sale

Centre Point, the Richard Seifert designed skyscraper, on Tottenham Court Road, London, W1, has been put on the market by its owners, a consortium of Deutsche Bank, Europa Capital Partners and Apollo Real Estate Advisors, for about £80m. The 32-storey 16,257 sq m (175,000 sq ft) tower, now listed, was built in 1964 and became a symbol of the worst excesses of the property development industry at the time. - (08-07-2005)

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Heron Tower start date

Heron International has announced that it intends to start construction of its 37-storey office tower at 110 Bishopsgate, London, EC2, in early 2006. Construction of the 183m high skyscraper will commence despite the lack of pre-lets. Completion is expected by early 2008. - (17-03-2005)

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British Land plans another skyscraper

British Land has unveiled new plans for two linked office buildings of 34-storeys and 12-storeys at 201 Bishopsgate, London, EC2. The buildings will provide a total of 77,108 sq m (830,000 sq ft) of space. The tower will provide office space of about 37,161 sq m (400,000 sq ft) and the low rise block will have 38,554 sq m (415,000 sq ft) of offices and nearly 1,858 sq m (20,000 sq ft) of retail space. - (04-03-2005)

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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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Canary Riverside South decision

The London Borough of Tower Hamlets has decided to grant planning consent for the Canary Wharf Riverside South development, subject to the agreement of the Mayor of London and the Government Office for London. The scheme is for two towers providing a total of 279,000 sq m (3m sq ft) of office and retail space. The towers will be 28- storeys and 34-storeys high and linked by a building at podium level. The planning permission is subject to a S106 agreement for around £20m to provide infrastructure improvements, a community fund and a park. - (24-09-2004)

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Listing throws puts plans in doubt

South Kensington Tube station has just been listed by the Culture Secretary and could thow into doubt plans by Stanhope and Hutchison Whampoa for gaining planning consent for a new office and retails scheme. Proposals for a Terry Farrell & Partners designed 11-storey tower and shopping centre were withdrawn last month following local protests. South Kensington Tube station was built in 1868 and the listing is intended to presenrve original features designed by Sir John Fowler for the Metropolitan and District Railway. - (09-09-2004)

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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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Columbus Tower approved

Columbus Tower, a 63-storey, 246m high, skyscraper, has been approved by London Borough of Tower Hamlets. The building, designed by DMWR architects and Weintraub Associates, adjoins Canary Wharf and is at the western end of West India Quay, London, E14. The project needs a Section 106 agreement to be signed and will also to be referred to the Greater London Authority and the Civil Aviation Authority. Columbus Tower is to be developed by SKMC, controlled by the Abu Dhabi royal family, and Farnham Properties. The scheme includes 30,000 sq m (322,920 sq ft) of office space, a hotel and health club, 2,200 sq m (23,680 sq ft) of retail space and a winter garden. The development could be completed by 2007. GVA Grimley is the planning consultant and DTZ is advising on the commercial space. - (30-03-2004)

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British Waterways in search of a partner

British Waterways has launched an international competition to find a development partner for its 8.3ha (20-acre) Wood Wharf site, adjacent to Canary Wharf, in London Docklands, E14. This follows last years approval of a 464,511 sq m (5m sq ft) masterplan for the £2bn mixed-use scheme. The planned development includes 325,158 sq m (3.5m sq ft) of offices, retail and hotels, and 1,500 homes. The designs could include two office towers of 35-storeys, located at the western end of the site opposite Heron Quays. British Waterways, advised by ATIS Real Weatheralls, is thought to be intending to submit the first detailed planning applications for the site in 2005. - (16-02-2004)

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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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British Land submits skyscraper plans

British Land has revealed the plans for a 48-storey glass tower at the site of 122 Leadenhall Street, London, EC3. The Richard Rogers Partnership is the architect of the Leadenhall Building which at 224m (737 ft) tall would be the highest in the City of London. The design incorporates a distinctive triangular shape and will provide 53,605 sq m (577,000 sq ft) of offices, with the lower floors of the building providing restaurants and bars along with 1,672 sq m (18,000 sq ft) of retail space. British Land is hopeful that the Leadenhall Building will be completed in 2006, with a late 2004 start following approval of the planning application made this week. English Heritage is thought to be more positive about this skyscraper as it does not block views of St Pauls. - (15-02-2004)

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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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Canary designs on new towers

Canary Wharf is thought to be about to unveil its scheme for two office towers providing 4m sq ft on a site at Riverside South and North Quay. The towers have been designed by the Richard Rogers Partnership and Cesar Pelli and will be part of an office, residential and leisure complex. A planning application will be submitted for the scheme but development is unlikely to take place until tenants have been identified. - (10-02-2003)

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Allen & Overy benefits community

Allen & Overy as part of its relocation to Bishops Square, Spitalfields is understood to be required by London Borough of Tower Hamlets to complete a Section 106 agreement on 'community benefits' before planning permission is issued. For a Section 106 agreement to be signed by an occupier, with no involvement in the development, is unheard of in planning law. The agreement is said to cover 'soft' obligations such as working with local schools, training and job opportunities. Once the agreement is in place perhaps the last planning issue on the development will all have been resolved. - (14-11-2002)

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Exchange plans reclad

The London Stock Exchange has submitted plans to the Corporation of London for the development of its site at 125 Old Broad Street EC2. The Stock Exchange is to relocate to Paternoster Square in mid-2004 and is planning to sell its existing premises on gaining planning consent. The new plans, by architect Nicholas Grimshaw, include a major refurbishment and re-cladding of the late 1980's 27-storey Exchange Tower and the development and a new podium level of 3,031 sq m (32,625 sq ft) as part of the 'East' Building and a new nine-level block (The West Building), providing 23,958 sq m (257,883 sq ft) of offices, will be created on the site of the old trading floor on the corner of Old Broad Street and Throgmorton Avenue. The scheme will provide a total of 65,804 sq m (708,314 sq ft) of office space (gross external area) and also include 7,236 sq m (77,888 sq ft) (gea) of retail space. City Offices Management is the project manager and Ove Arup is the structures and services consultant. - (13-11-2002)

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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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Stock Exchange submits plans

The London Stock Exchange has submitted plans to the Corporation of London for the development of its site in Old Broad Street, London EC2. The Stock Exchange is to relocate to Paternoster Square in mid-2004 and is planning to sell its existing premises on gaining planning consent. The new plans, by architect Nicholas Grimshaw, include a major refurbishment of the 26-storey Exchange Tower and the development of two new buildings. An eight-storey block will be created on the site of the old trading floor and a five-storey building on the corner of Old Broad Street and Throgmorton Avenue. The scheme will provide 44,128 sq m (475,000 sq ft) of office space and also include 3,716 sq m (40,000 sq ft) of retail space. The London Stock Exchange is being advised by Greycoat subsidiary City Offices and Insignia Richard Ellis has advised on the plans. - (17-10-2002)

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Millbank Tower on the market

Millbank Tower, the Grade II listed skyscraper owned by Tishman Speyer Properties, is thought to be on the market for around £125m. The US-owned private property group owns several landmark buildings including the Chrysler Building and the Rockerfeller Centre in New York, and the MesseTurm in Frankfurt, Germany. Jones Lang LaSalle is acting on the sale of Millbank Tower. - (06-10-2002)

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British Land's new skyscraper

British Land has unveiled its plans for a skyscraper at 122 Leadenhall Street. The 48-storey tower will provide about 93,000 sq m (1,001,000 sq ft) of space and has been designed by the Richard Rogers Partnership. The initial designs envisage a tapering external frame structure, possibly a 'shard of steel', on 'legs' above a new public park. It is said that the building would be the tallest in the City of London. - (22-09-2002)

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Allen & Overy finally sign-up

Allen & Overy, the law firm, has formally signed the lease with Hammerson and the Corporation of London for its new 70,000 sq m (750,000 sq ft) headquarters at Bishops Square, Spitalfields, London E1 at £45 psf on a 25-year lease. It is thought that the firm also has a 21-month rent free period. Construction, of the Foster & Partners designed building, should start in early 2003. However everything is still subject to planning consent being granted by Tower Hamlets. The first announcement of the deal was made in March 2002 and at this time the rent free period was 18 months. - (22-09-2002)

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Selfridges scale back plans

Selfridges, the department stores group, is to scale down the £300m plans by Foster & Partners for its Oxford Street store. After nine months discussions with Westminster City Council planners Selfridges is thought to be about to scale back the 12-storey office tower, although the 9,290 sq m (100,000 sq ft) of retail space, a spa, car park and hotel, will remain. It is thought that the office tower will be reduced from 60m to 41m in the redesign. - (22-09-2002)

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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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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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Deutsche Bank tower for EC2

Deutsche Bank is said to have plans for a 38-storey skyscraper on the edge of the City of London to be developed by its property arm Deutsche Grundbesitz (DGI). The building planned for Ropemaker Place, Ropemaker Street, London EC2 is said to be a "commercial development" and Deutsche has refused to say if it intends to occupy the building. The 200m high tower has been designed by Sheppard Robson and will rise to 10 storeys before leaning 20 degrees from vertical before straightening up. The bank was looking for a second headquarters building last year but this is now said to be no longer a top priority. No formal planning application has yet been made to London Borough of Islington. - (16-02-2002)

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Richard Rogers' twin towers

Canary Wharf Group has confirmed that the Richard Rogers Partnership is working on building designs for a riverside site to the south of Westferry Circus, London E14, and adjoining the Cascades residential scheme. The plans are said to be at an early stage and no details are being made available. However the scheme is thought to include two towers, each of around 37-storeys and 44-storey and could provide a further 148,643 sq m (1.6m sq ft) of office space or a mix of uses. - (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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DIFA plans City skyscraper

Some brief details of the proposed 50-storey office tower at 6-8 Bishopsgate have been revealed. It appears that discussion on the tower, for German developer DIFA, have been held with the Corporation of London and the Mayor's office. However a planning application will not be submitted until after a decision on the Heron tower, currently at public inquiry, is made. The architect for the scheme is reported to be Helmut Jahn, the New York architect. - (04-12-2001)

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HOK to design Barclays' tower

Barclays Bank has revealed the plans for its 30-storey headquarters tower at Churchill Place, Canary Wharf, London E14, which will accommodate 5,000 staff by 2005. The building is being designed by HOK International. Barclays has signed the final agreement with Canary Wharf Group to occupy up to 1 million sq ft of office space in the tower. The new building will be completed in late 2004 for occupation in 2005. - (28-11-2001)

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Revisions to Churchill Place

The elements of the Canary Wharf masterplan for the Churchill Place area, also known as the 'BP 1-3' sites, which was previously intended as a group of four buildings, is understood to be under revision. The redesign will see some increases in planned floorspace. The new masterplan would include the 92,902 sq m (1 million sq ft) tower on BP1, possibly nearing a pre-let to Barclays Bank, BP2 at around 32,515 sq m (350,000 sq ft), and BP3/4 at about 69,676 sq m (750,000 sq ft). - (19-11-2001)

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Lord Rogers supports Heron Tower

Lord Rogers, the architectural advisor to the Mayor of London has told the inquiry into the Heron Tower, proposed for 110 Bishopsgate EC2, that a failure to press ahead with the scheme would threaten London's future prosperity by discouraging investors from locating in London. The inquiry is expected to last another four weeks and the outcome is seen as a test case for the future development of tall buildings in London. - (17-11-2001)

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BT Tower could be listed

The BT Tower in London W1, better known as the Post Office Tower, could become a listed building under proposals from English Heritage. The 188m high tower is one of eight telecoms buildings proposed for listed building status. - (13-11-2001)

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Hemingway plans tower in EC3

Hemingway Properties has submitted a planning application to the Corporation of London for a 16-storey tower with 23,403 sq m (251,909 sq ft) of offices along with retail and restaurant space in EC3. The site is bounded by Mark Lane, Hart Street, London Street and New London Street. The development advisor is Jones Lang laSalle. - (31-10-2001)

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Architect Seifert dies

Richard Seifert, the architect who designed Centre Point and the NatWest Tower, now known as Tower 42, has died aged 90. Centre Point, constructed on a small plot, is still believed to be the world's tallest prefabricated building. A controversial development in design terms Centre Point also came to be regarded as the worse example of development greed as the building remained empty for years while rental values increased. The NatWest building in its plan shape is remarkably similar to the National Westminster logo, although any deliberate intention in 'mirroring' the design was always denied. After the second world war Siefert became one of the UK's most prolific architects and the two buildings formed just a small part of his extensive portfolio. - (27-10-2001)

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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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Sainsbury 'oval office' approved

Sainsbury's plans for a new office building in Stamford Street, London SE1 have been approved by London Borough of Southwark. The 34,838 sq m (375,000 sq ft) Foster & Partners designed building will create a five-storey 'podium' block rising up to 18-storeys as an oval-shaped tower. The development is on the site of the existing Sainsbury head office building. The building could be completed in 2004 and Sainsbury could then relocate from its new headquarters at 33 Holborn Place EC1. Sainsbury is thought to be looking for a joint venture partner to develop and finance the scheme. - (01-10-2001)

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'right to light' claim

Churchill Securities is now said to be seeking an injunction against Marks & Spencer claiming that its development at 70 Gracechurch Street, also known as Limebank House, 168 Fenchurch Street, London EC3 affects a "right to light" clause on an adjoining building that Churchill owns. It appears that discussions have not resolved the issue and the threat of legal action is making it harder for M&S to find a tenant. Churchill is thought to have made M&S an offer of £150m for the building, subject to planning consent being granted to convert the recently completed building into a 34-storey tower (which would reportedly cost another £130m).

Colliers Conrad Ritblat Erdman and Jones Lang LaSalle are the letting agents for the scheme. It has also been reported that three City firms have pulled out of negotiations for Limebank House due to the legal problems. - (01-10-2001)

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'Groundscraper' to 'Skyscraper'

Minerva, the property developer, is said to be about to submit a new planning application for its St Botolph's House site in Aldgate, London EC3. Minerva already has planning permission for a 14-storey 'groundscraper' development of about 48,473 sq m (525,000 sq ft) but is now looking to build a 36-storey skyscraper, with a net lettable area of around 1.1 million sq ft. Floorplates will be about 2,972 sq m (32,000 sq ft) each. The scheme will also include 1,765 sq m (19,000 sq ft) of retail space and a roof top restaurant. Nicholas Grimshaw has designed the building, which will be 516 ft high, making it slightly lower than Tower 42. - (09-09-2001)

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Barclays to take space at Canary

Barclays Bank has confirmed that it is has reached agreement in principle with Canary Wharf Group to take a new headquarters building at Canary Wharf, London E14. The bank is to take the BP1 site at Churchill Place, at the eastern end of the scheme. The building will be about 1 million sq ft and initially 60,386 sq m (650,000 sq ft) will be occupied by Barclays, with the flexibility to move into more space as required. Design work is underway and construction of the new tower will start at the end of 2001 and is due to be occupied by Barclays in 2005. Barclays Bank is being advised by Weatherall Green & Smith. - (05-09-2001)

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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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Quangos go "head to head"

The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE) has announced that it is to appear at the public inquiry into the proposed Heron Tower at 110 Bishopsgate, London EC2. CABE will appear in support of the scheme when the inquiry starts at the end of October. CABE's views are contrary to those of English Heritage, which is objecting to the scheme. CABE's chief executive Jon Rouse has been quoted as saying that it is willing to go "head to head" with English Heritage over a scheme it believes is suitable. "It's a bit like David against Goliath, but we have to stand up and be counted," he is reported as saying. - (17-08-2001)

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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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English Heritage "spikes" tower

English Heritage has likened the proposals by Renzo Piano for the 300m high Sellar "shard of glass" skyscraper at London Bridge to a "spike through the heart of the Tower of London". The opposition from English Heritage will prompt a public inquiry into the proposals, leading to the scheme being determined by the new Environment Secretary Stephen Byers. English Heritage at the same meeting supported proposals for two residential towers at Lots Road power station in Chelsea, undoubtably far enough away from any heritage sites, and regarded by English Heritage as "two high quality tall buildings which we think will enhance river views and the skyline of this part of London without damaging the historic environment." It may be sometime before we hear such comments from English Heritage about an office tower in the City of London. - (02-07-2001)

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'Guidance on tall buildings'

English Heritage in its new statement 'Guidance On Tall Buildings' discourages tall buildings in historic areas of London and suggests better locations are those such as Canary Wharf, Stratford and Croydon. The report has been produced jointly with the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE). The statement says "the overriding consideration will be whether the location is suitable for a tall building in terms of its effect on the historic environment. If not, then no tall building will be acceptable, however good the design". This seems to reverse previous thinking that allowed the Baltic Exchange to be demolished to make way for the Swiss Re tower. The report reinforces the current St Paul's protected view and is for maintaining views from royal parks. In the same report CABE says that first-class design should be paramount and that an exceptional scheme could override other considerations. - (12-06-2001)

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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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Lots Road application submitted

Taylor Woodrow, the construction group, has submitted a planning application for the power station at Lots Road, London SW10 to be retained as a mixed-use office and retail centre, with about 8,361 sq m (90,000 sq ft) of space. The scheme for the seven acre site also includes two 39 and 25-storey residential towers. Taylor Woodrow acquired the site last year and is said to have teamed up with Hutchison Whampoa, the Hong-Kong group, for the £350m project. The scheme will be developed by the joint venture company called Circadian and has been designed by Terry Farrell & Partners. - (12-06-2001)

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Selfridges loses tower

The Selfridges scheme in Duke Street, W1, planned as a mixed-use retail, residential and office development, will not now include a 20-storey tower. The idea of the tower is said to have been thrown out by Westminster planners. Instead the scheme could include 18,580 sq m (200,000 sq ft) of offices, a 250-bed hotel, 80 apartments and 9,290 sq m (100,000 sq ft) of additional retail space. The £250m project is a joint venture between Selfridges and Stanhope Developments and is being designed by Norman Foster & Partners. - (09-06-2001)

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Canary in £875m bond issues

Canary Wharf Group has issued £875m of bonds in a deal that will securitise three buildings under construction at the Docklands complex. The bonds are secured on the rents from the two pre-let towers being built for Citigroup and Credit Suisse First Boston and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter. The deal adds the three buildings to a securitised portfolio that also includes One Canada Square, from which the company raised about £555m in 1997 and £385m in 2000. - (02-06-2001)

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Quadratic gets sums right

Carnegie Holdings has been granted planning permission by London Borough of Tower Hamlets for the 'Quadratic' building at 4 Mastmaker Road, in the Millennium Quarter in South Quay, London Docklands E14. The 13-storey office building is named the 'Quadratic' as it is in an H-shape with office towers at each corner. The design includes an 11-storey double atrium on the east and west sides, and a two-storey winter garden on the north and south sides. The building will be clad in Planar glazing glass and travertine stone, from the same quarry as stone cut for the Colosseum in Rome. The Quadratic will provide 25,840 sq m (278,141 sq ft) of office space and has been designed by Patrick Davies. - (20-05-2001)

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2 Millharbour deferred

Fidelity Investments Guardian Printworks scheme at 2 Millharbour in the Millennium Quarter in South Quay, London Docklands E14 was deferred by London Borough of Tower Hamlets for further information to be provided. The developer has agreed to provide Tower Hamlets with £23m in section 106 payments, primarily to be used for transport improvements. - (20-05-2001)

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Four Millennium Quarter approvals

More than 2.6 million sq ft of new office schemes was granted planning permission by London Borough of Tower Hamlets last week. All the development are in the 20ha (50 acre) Millennium Quarter site in South Quay, London Docklands E14. The schemes include Ballymore's One Millharbour and Arrowhead Quay office schemes, the first five buildings over two phases of Capital & Provident's World Trade Centre scheme and the Quadratic building. - (20-05-2001)

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Skanska sells to Axa Sun Life

Skanska, the Anglo-Swedish construction group, has sold its last two investment properties in London to AXA Sun Life for just under £91m. The two developments are at Thomas More Square, E1 and 55 King William Street, EC4. The 22,000 sq m (236,840 sq ft) Trinity Tower at Thomas More Square, overlooking St. Katharine Docks, completes the bulk of Skanska's sale of the development, which began last year. The King William Street property comprises 5,839 sq m (62,859 sq ft) of offices with some retail and leisure uses. Frederick Wirdenius, President of Skanska's Project Development Europe said: ‘These two sales, which made a profit for Skanska of £34 million, represent the completion of Skanska's divesting of its real estate portfolio in London. It also creates possibilities for continued investments in other attractive growth areas in Europe.’ - (11-05-2001)

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High buildings make news

Several items concerning high buildings in central London are in the news this week. "Towards a London Plan", the strategic development discussion paper, has just been issued by the Greater London Authority. One of the key elements of the proposals is to increase the supply of affordable office space by allowing more tall buildings, particularly at main railway stations. A joint report by English Heritage and CABE is said to be due out after the election and is reported to be saying that proposals for high buildings must be judged on their individual merits. In addition The Architecture Association is staging a mini-exhibition entitled "Tower Power: Does size matter?" at various central London venues next month. On display will be the plans for several London skycraper schemes. For further details call 020 7253 3334. - (11-05-2001)

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SDG may submit new application

Spitalfields Development Group (SDG), now owned by Hammerson, is according to Property Week thought to be considering submitting a new planning application for its office scheme at 1-10 Bishops Square, London E1. The new application could be submitted for a named occupier once SDG has a pre-let. SDG has been reluctant to submit a new application, as requested by London Borough of Tower Hamlets, as it considers the 'reserved matter' applications submitted as being within the scope of the original 1997 permission. Tower Hamlets had been awaiting legal opinion on the question of whether the reserved matter applications were acceptable or if a new planning application was required due to 'material changes'. - (08-05-2001)

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BT to leave Newgate Street

British Telecom is to leave its purpose built 27,870 sq m (300,000 sq ft) headquarters building at Newgate Street, London EC1 in the next 12-18 months. Staff will be transferred to other divisions in BT buildings and the 400-500 'central activities' staff and executives will move to a smaller office in London. The Newgate Street head office and the Telecom Tower were the only buildings omitted from the £2bn property portfolio deal announced last month. - (04-05-2001)

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Railtrack tower proposed for E1

Railtrack Property has submitted plans for a new office and retail scheme on the edge of the City of London. The proposed elliptical glass and steel development, on the corner of Norton Folgate and Worship Street, in London E1, has been designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox, and will have 19,000 sq m (204,521 sq ft) of offices in a 23-storey tower. It is said that Railtrack had hoped to create a larger development by linking the site to the adjoining site owned by Lehman Brothers. The bulk of the scheme will be built over the railway lines and will include 200 sq m (2,153 sq ft) of retail space next to the main office entrance. - (30-04-2001)

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Sainsbury plans SE1 towers

Foster & Partners has revealed plans for a 35,765 sq m (385,000 sq ft) 19-storey oval office tower to replace food retailers Sainsbury's existing Drury House and Stamford House headquarters at Stamford Street, London SE1. Sainsbury is linked with Stanhope on the proposals. A planning application for the £270m scheme has just been submitted to London Borough of Southwark along with an application for a second new building on the firm's car park site in Maymott Street. The tower has a tapered 'neck' and a low-rise office block forms the base. A Sainsbury's 'Central' supermarket could be incorporated in the ground floor. The 14,490 sq m (156,000 sq ft) Maymott Street scheme could cost £70m and is planned as a 22-storey tower designed by architect Lifschutz Davidson. Sainsbury is working on the site assembly for the scheme and is said to be in the process of acquiring Wakefield House and 19-21 Blackfriars Road from Dunloe Ewart, the developer. Sainsbury is thought to be seeking to develop around 46,451 sq m (500,000 sq ft) in the various SE1 developments for completion in 2004. Sainsbury is still thought to be considering its options on the 11,150 sq m (120,000 sq ft) Rennie House, on the south side of Stamford Street. Sainsbury staff will relocate to 33 Holborn Place, London WC1, to allow the headquarters development to proceed. Healey & Baker is advising Sainsbury. - (22-04-2001)

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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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"Shard of glass" revealed

The designs for the £350m skyscraper at London Bridge station, SE1 have just been unveiled. The 66-storey tapering glass tower, designed by Renzo Piano and Broadway Malyan, for developer the Sellar Property Group, will, if built, be the tallest in Europe at 1,016 ft tall. The lower half of the tower is planned as a 27-storey 55,741 sq m (600,000 sq ft) office block, with the upper 15-storey as a hotel and apartment complex. A planning application for the "shard of glass", otherwise known as the London Bridge Tower, could be submitted to the London Borough of Southwark next week. The scheme has been reduced by about 14-storey following initial comments from CABE, the architectural advisory body. There seems little doubt that this scheme, along with Heron's Bishopsgate tower, will become the centre of debate, around which London local government and advisory bodies will finally have to establish an agreed policy towards tall buildings. - (20-03-2001)

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DS5 and DS2 "top-out" at Canary Wharf

The new towers for HSBC, designed by Foster & Partners, and Citigroup, designed by Cesar Pelli, at Canary Wharf, London E14 were topped-out yesterday. The towers will be about 100ft shorter than One Canada Square, the 50-storey skyscraper, which remains the tallest office building in the UK. Citigroup will move to its new building at 25 Canada Square (DS5 building) in September this year and HSBC to 8 Canada Square (DS2 building) in February 2002. - (08-03-2001)

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'Chamaeleon' building approved

Ballymore's Arrowhead Quay office scheme in South Quay, London Docklands E14 has had its planning application approved by London Borough of Tower Hamlets. The scheme, designed by Skidmore Owings & Merrill, will in total provide 44,600 sq m (480,074 sq ft) of office space, with leisure and retail space in two buildings. The design will make use of a Mica paint technology that will make the façade of the buildings appear to change colour between blue and green depending on the light conditions. - (07-03-2001)

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Lehamn Brothers take HQ2

Lehman Brothers, the US investment bank, has confirmed that it is to move its European headquarters to the HQ2 building at Heron Quays, Canary Wharf, London E14. The building, designed by Cesar Pelli, is due for completion in August 2003. HQ2 is planned as a 30-storey 95,081 sq m (1,023,444) sq ft tower and Lehman Brothers is said to have an option to extend the building by linking with HQ1 of 26,955 sq m (290,141 sq ft). Lehman Brothers is advised by Insignia Richard Ellis. - (19-02-2001)

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Court of Common Council agrees Heron scheme

The Corporation of London's Court of Common Council has voted in favour of the planning committee's recommendation that permission be granted to Heron's 110 Bishopsgate skyscraper in EC3. The building at 43-storeys will become the City's tallest tower. The secretary of state, John Prescott, has three weeks to call the scheme in and English Heritage is said to be carrying on its campaign to stop the proposed development. - (02-02-2001)

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Heron Tower wins planning consent

110 Bishopsgate, the planned 43-storey Heron Tower, in London EC3 has been approved by the Corporation of London planning committee. The scheme, designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox, will now go to the Court of Common Council on 1st February 2001. The tower was approved despite objections by English Heritage, which said the building would affect the views of St Paul's from Waterloo Bridge. The Heron Tower will be the tallest building in the City of London but will appear lower than Tower 42 (the former NatWest Tower) as it is to be built on lower-lying land. - (18-01-2001)

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MWB acquires Marble Arch Tower

Marylebone Warwick Balfour has acquired the 90-year lease of the 15,003 sq m (161,500 sq ft) Marble Arch Tower, London W1 from Regalian properties for £69.2m. The building has been recently refurbished and tenants include Nokia, Abbey National, J Sainsbury and Odeon Cinemas. MWB is expected to take over the operation and management of the offices from Regus, the serviced office group, within the next 12 months. - (04-01-2001)

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Railtrack tower may shrink

Railtrack may not be able to go ahead with its planned 43-storey tower at Paddington after Westminster City Council indicated this week that the scheme should be no taller than 10-storeys. The view on the proposed tower is contained in an officers report to Westminster council, which will go to the planning committee on 18th December. - (09-12-2000)

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Royal Parks object to Paddington skyscrapers

The Royal Parks Agency is lobbying Westminster City Council to reject the plans for skyscrapers at Paddington. The RPA says that the proposed towers will have an intrusive effect on Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park and Regents Park and has demonstrated the possible impact with 'before' and after' illustrations. The RPA has stated that neither the Grand Union Building, by architect Lord Rogers, or The Station Tower by Nicholas Grimshaw for Railtrack, should be granted planning permission. - (23-11-2000)

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Revised skyscraper design unveiled

A revised design for a 80-storey skyscraper at London Bridge station, by Italian architect Renzo Piano, is now being put forward by developer Irvine Sellar. The 390m (1,279 ft) tower will include 65,031 sq m (700,000 sq ft) of offices and 18,580 sq m (200,000 sq ft) of flats along with hotel and retail space. A planning application could be submitted to the London Borough of Southwark by the end of the year but is likely to be determined by the Greater London Authority. The skyscraper would not be completed before 2005 and construction costs are put at £300m. Bovis Lend Lease is the project manager. The scheme is unlikely to proceed without a major pre-let and the developer is said to be in discussion with firms including Pricewaterhouse Coopers. - (13-11-2000)

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CSFB takes pre-let at Canary Wharf

Credit Suisse First Boston has agreed Heads of Terms to lease a further 46,451 sq m (500,000 sq ft) of office space at 5 Canada Square (site DS1) Canary Wharf, London E14. DS1 is currently under construction and the architect of the 14-storey tower is Skidmore Owings & Merrill (SOM). The new office space is due to be due for occupation in spring 2002. The leasing of building will mean that CSFB has 1.8m sq ft at Canary Wharf in seven buildings. In 1999 Bovis Interiors carried out the fitting out work for CSFB at its Columbus Courtyard office. Once CSFB has signed a binding agreement on the Canada Square building the pre-let will prompt the speculative construction of HQ3, a 32-storey tower, designed by Cesar Pelli, that will provide 55,741 sq m (600,000 sq ft) of office space. - (09-11-2000)

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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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