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Fringe scheme start

Refurbishment plan in W1

EC2 planning renewal

City scheme poised

Refurbishment in EC2

City consent

Office site to be residential

Major scheme starts on site

Refurbishment plan in EC1

City consent

Dockland application

Office plans revived

Plans approved

Paddington application

City refurbishment consent

West End refurbishment

City fringe mixed use scheme

Astoria site decision soon

Contractor appointment

City fringe application

Mayfair consent

EC1 scheme underway

City refurbishment green light

Victoria consent

Noho refurbishment start

New plans revealed

City block may re-start

Soho scheme poised

Revised consent in EC3

City refurbishment start

City scheme redesign

Mayfair redevelopment

St James's refurbishment

Mixed-use ideas

Refurbishment on market

Former HQ refurbishment

City refurbishment start

Application in EC1

Refurbishment in SW1

Tenders to be invited

City scheme application

Refurbishment start in EC3

City refurbishment application

Refurbishment in EC4

Consent for Noho scheme

Planning consent

Kings Cross start

Midtown consent

Potential in WC2

City refurbishment start

West end application

Refurbishment out to tender

Consent for refurbishment

West end start

Mayfair refurbishment

West end consent

Consent in SW1

City refurbishment application

West end start planned

City refurbishment consent

Mixed use scheme consent

Southbank re-design

Revised Midtown scheme

West End start

Mayfair application

Mayfair refurbishment plan

Central London - a Sack Full of Refurbs

Refusal in SE1

City scheme start

City fringe application

Midtown start

Contractor shortlist

Tower to start

City scheme underway

Early days for SE1 scheme

Midtown scheme underway

City refurbishment plan

Noho refurbishment

Phase 2 start date

Tower to start

Inquiries on the up

City construction start

Victoria consent

Refurbishment plans

Refurbishment underway

City scheme green light

Clerkenwell consent

Hammersmith start planned

City consent

Southbank space revamp

Development site sold

HQ refurbishment application

Southbank consent

City site administrator

Demolition start in EC2

Southbank application

City refurbishment

Cheapside consent

Development starts (again)

London Office Market – Special Report

Docklands scheme progress

Canary Wharf Group has bought ownership of the Wood Wharf Limited Partnership from British Waterways and Ballymore Properties. Canary Wharf Group will now have control of design over the 16.8 acre Wood Wharf mixed use development scheme site, which is immediately adjacent to the Canary Wharf. Wood Wharf will comprise 1.25 million square feet of residential development, 200,000 sq ft of retail, 3.1m sq ft of offices and a 200,000 sq ft hotel with a single outline planning consent in May 2009. Detailed consent was subsequently granted for the three office buildings closest to the Canary Wharf estate totalling 1.5m sq ft net in July 2009. - (20-01-2012)

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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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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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Glasnost - Online Project, Contact & Image Management

Developer stepping up programme

Great Portland Estates is planning to raise £160m via the international bond markets to fund its development and investment programme in central London. The property company, which has four London office schemes underway, is understood to be planning to sell two tranches of seven-year and ten-year bonds. - (08-04-2011)

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Surge in London Office Development

London Office Prospects 2011: 75m sq ft of lease expiry hopes drives market forward

A surge in London office development is coming, with major office buildings planned to come on-stream in 2012-2015 to meet an anticipated increase in demand.

This demand is expected to come from those occupiers, which took space in the mid 1980’s boom and early 1990’s, with leases coming to an end on what is now outdated space.

Our research on occupier ‘moves’ in central London indicates a potential of up to 17m sq ft of lease renewals due in 2011, and an average of about 15m sq ft a year of lease expiries a year up to 2015.

The question is “How much of this lease expiry-led ‘demand’ will result in new space being taken-up?”

The London office market is fairly consistent on office space take-up with the average being about 10m sq ft a year over the last decade. In these terms 2010 was above average with over 11m sq ft of office space taken-up, the majority in large pre-lets.

If half of lease expiries (say 7.5m sq ft) each year actually turned into office ‘moves’, this would then mean a further 2.5m+ sq ft of office demand would have to come from existing occupier expansion and new ‘start-ups’ to achieve even the average for annual take-up.

This would then mean occupiers would be renewing leases on around 7.5m sq ft of office space each year with the potential for refurbishment deals. In addition the 7.5m sq ft (or possibly more) of office space vacated by ‘movers’ could be returned to building owners and would need to be upgraded for letting.

To meet the expected lease expiry-led office demand a substantial supply of new Grade A development is needed in 2011, which is not going to arrive. Those occupiers with imminent lease expiries will be unable to find prime new office space and will therefore postpone moves, increasingly turn to pre-lets, or remain ‘in-situ’ and refurbish.

In 2011 development starts will be numerous (30+ is possible) but take-up is expected to be down on 2010 levels and the majority deals are likely to be smaller, perhaps under 4,645 sq m (50,000 sq ft).

The ‘volume’ of deals done in late 2010, combined with about 46,450 sq m (500,000 sq ft) of office space now under offer, will carry the fit-out market through to summer 2011. The office market will then become one of refurbishment and restacking until a new wave of occupiers starts to take up the developments coming on-stream from late 2012 onwards.





- (01-02-2011)

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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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London Offices – 2011, Looking Up

The central London property market seems to be at a turning point in terms of construction activity. It would seem that we are at the start of the next development cycle, with the prospect of major office projects starting in 2011.

CityOffices constantly reviews London’s office development projects. The latest ‘Skyline Monitor’ shows that a total of 11 schemes started on site during summer 2010. Schemes such as The Pinnacle in the City, 62 Buckingham Gate, SW1, and Park House in Oxford Street, W1, added a further 1.3m sq ft to office space under construction.

The current total office space under construction in London is 4.2m sq ft, comprising 2.4m in the City; 1.1m sq ft in the West End, 600,000 sq ft on the Southbank and 130,000 sq ft in Midtown.

The 4.2m under construction at present is low when compared to the 13m sq ft under construction two years ago, but does compares favourably with the mere five office schemes started this time last year.

This summer nearly 5.8m sq ft of offices were completed in schemes such as Minerva’s St Botolphs building, EC3; Derwent’s Angel Building, EC1; and Standard Life’s 95 Gresham Street, EC2. A number of lettings have been secured in these buildings and currently half of the 5.8m sq ft has been let, in line with the overall sharp reduction in prime office space available in central London.

CityOffices has identified 21 London office projects where demolition is either underway or the site has been cleared. It is anticipated that starts on around half of these before Christmas 2010, which could result in a further 1.5m sq ft of offices under construction by the New Year.



Looking forward to 2011, Cityoffices is currently tracking 110 office schemes in central London totaling over 22m sq ft, which have planning permission, and where the developer is thought to be considering a start in 2011. The short-list of developers lining up schemes to start next year includes British Land, Land Securities, Great Portland Estates, Helical Bar, and Exemplar.

The reason behind the increasing activity in central London is that Grade A office space availability is expected to hit a low point in late 2014 and rents are already rising to reflect shortages of prime space. Developers are keen to catch the next property ‘wave’ before it peaks and are trying to push ahead with developments. In reality not all these schemes will start but Cityoffices is tracking them all to identify the ‘winning’ development teams. - (19-11-2010)

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Top Architects 2000 - 2020

Over the last decade CityOffices.net has monitored office developments in central London. Our knowledge of past and future projects, and the development teams involved, allows us to provide a profile of the key market players.

This analysis of the Top Architects in London is based on office developments completed in the last 10 year and any under construction. The future ‘view’ on projects is based on our research into schemes with planning permission or at the pre planning stage.

The total amount of office space completed in central London over the last 10 years amounts to nearly 6.1m sq m (66m sq ft), with about 372,000 sq m (4m sq ft) currently under construction. This gives an average build rate of 585,280 sq m (6.3m sq ft) of new office space a year in central London.

Future potential office projects, where architects are appointed, amount to around 6.5m sq m (70m sq ft), certainly enough space for the next 10 years.


The Last Decade

The Top 10 Architects for office space built over the last 10 years have created about 3.3m sq m (36m sq ft) of new buildings. The clear leader is Foster + Partners with about 800,000 sq m (8.6m sq ft), or 24% market share, followed by KPF with 490,000 sq m (5.2m sq ft), or (14%).

The mid ranking is fairly close run between SOM, Sheppard Robson, Pelli Clarke Pelli and HOK, with an average of around 320,000 sq m (3.4m sq ft) of developments.

The last four architect places in the ranking account for around 180,000 sq m (2m sq ft) of projects each, and the position of these firms in future ranking could be threatened by rivals over the next few years.


Top Architects (London) 2000 - 2010 (Built Office Space)

1 Foster + Partners (24%)
2 Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) (14%)
3 Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM) (11%)
4 Sheppard Robson (11%)
5 Pelli Clarke Pelli (10%)
6 HOK (8%)
7 Sidell Gibson (6%)
8 Rolfe Judd (6%)
9 EPR (5%)
10 Fletcher Priest (5%)



The Future!

The analysis of future office projects in central London shows the changing fortunes of firms. Although it must be said that until developments actually start on site architects can, and do, get changed!

On future office projects we are looking at nearly 3m sq m (30m sq ft) over the next property cycle (or two), so 2011 and beyond.

The ranking shows those firms set to lead design into the next decade.


Top 10 London Architects (London) - Future Office Buildings

1 Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners (16%)
2 Pelli Clarke Pelli (14%)
3 Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) (14%)
4 Foster + Partners (13%)
5 Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM) (11%)
6 MAKE Architects (9%)
7 Wilkinson Eyre (8%)
8 Foreign Office Architects (FOA) (5%)
9 Allies & Morrison (5%)
10 Sheppard Robson (5%)


Interestingly Rogers Stirk Harbour comes in at No1 in the ranking having been absent from the ‘past’ ranking. The firm’s 450,000 sq m (5m sq ft), or 16% of ‘future’ market share, is based around some major Docklands projects.

The next four places in the ranking (2-5) sees a reshuffle of firms from the ‘past’ ranking, reflecting the positions held over the last 10 years.

The lower end of the ‘future’ ranking is mostly newcomers to the Top 10. MAKE Architects, Wilkinson Eyre, Foreign Office Architects, and Allies & Morrison, account for 748,000 sq m (8m sq ft) of projects, as they look to increase their share of development activity in the London office market.

These ‘newcomers’ could now be set to overtake those firms established in the Top 10 of the past decade. However, that ‘overtaking’ relies on the developments progressing and the architect managing to stay on the project.

Andy King
CityOffices.net
20.10.10

Notes:
All office development details available at www.cityoffices.net
The rankings include all office schemes over 1,858 sq m (20,000 sq ft).
A Top 20 Architect (Built Office Space) list is available on request.

- (05-11-2010)

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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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Can of Spam consent

Targetfollow has gained revised consent for its planned 22-storey office development 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. A start is not expected until 2011 or 2012. DP9 is the planning consultant. DTZ is advising on the development. - (02-07-2010)

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Broadgate HQ plan

British Land has confirmed press reports that it is planning a new headquarters for UBS covering around 65,000 sq m (700,000 sq ft) at its Broadgate, London, EC2 site, on the site of existing UBS buildings number 4 and 6. The scheme is expected to cost £175m. The new HQ is expected to be completed in 2014. - (19-05-2010)

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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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Stanhope win Noho

Stanhope is now the developer of the NoHo Square scheme in Mortimer Street, London, W1. The 1.3ha (3 acre) NoHo site was owned by Kaupthing, the Icelandic bank, but a £50m deal will see Stanhope in control of a joint venture. It is thought that Kaupthing will write off £200m of debt on the project. The planned 82,776 sq m (891,000 sq ft) of luxury apartments and 32,980 sq m (355,000 sq ft) of offices is expected to be redesigned with a media industry focus. - (21-03-2009)

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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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New Broadcasting House fit out

The New Broadcasting House project for the BBC in Portland Place, W1, is seeking workplace and interior design consultants for the 45,000 sq m (484,380 sq ft) net fit-out of the eight story Phase 2. The £110m Phase 1 involved the refurbishment of Broadcasting House of 16,600 sq m (178,882 sq ft), and the new build East Wing (Egton House), a five storey 6,800 sq m (73,195 sq ft). Phase 1 completed in early 2006. The £262m Phase 2 is an eight storey 54,000 sq m (581,256 sq ft) gross building due to be completed in mid 2009. The fit out project is due to be appointed in the New Year for a start in April 2009 and occupation is planned for September 2012. - (17-12-2008)

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Derwent call halt

Derwent London, the property developer, has said that it is not planning to start any new commercial developments until 2010 or 2011. The company has made the decision because of the credit crunch and the fall in occupier requirements for new space. Derwent has three buildings under construction and has let 408,000 sq ft in the last nine months, and has a further 35,000 sq ft of office space under offer. John Burns, chief executive, has said that the next two years are about "good housekeeping" and his comments mirror those expressed by Great Portland Estates, Hammerson and Liberty International. - (20-11-2008)

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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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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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Wood Wharf outline approved

Wood Wharf Limited Partnership, comprising British Waterways, Canary Wharf Group and Ballymore Properties, has had its outline planning application for the development approved. The plans for the 7ha (17 acre) Wood Wharf site in London, E14, include 455,221 sq m (4.9m) sq ft of offies, retail and leisure space and 1,668 apartments. The scheme includes a £50m S106 agreement and a £100m contribution to Crossrail. Wood Wharf will be developed as four phases. Reserved matters on Phase 1 will be submitted in 2009. - (06-11-2008)

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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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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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"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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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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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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Minerva in Cannon Street

The Property Merchant Group and Abacus Developments have sold their freehold at 111 Cannon Street, London EC4 to Minerva for £9m. The building, comprising 1,375 sq m (14,800 sq ft) of office and retail accommodation, is multi-let and has planning consent for a 2,787 sq m (30,000 sq ft) mixed-use scheme. - (24-08-2006)

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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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Beetham big plans in Aldgate

The Beetham Organization is thought to be about to submit plans for a 92,920 sq m (1m sq ft) office and retail scheme on a 1.3ha (3.2 acre) site that includes Bain Dawes House and Latham House, 16 Minories, London, EC3, and Aldgate bus station. The scheme involves three office buildings with 3,251 sq m (35,000 sq ft) of retail space. The first phase of the development could start in March 2007, subject to planning permission. The tallest building is 22 storeys and the 12 storey block could be first and developed as a speculative building. - (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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Refurbishment planned for SW1

GE Commercial Finance Real Estate, the property developer and investor and Grafton Advisers LLP have bought the vacant 1,400 sq m (15,000 sq ft) office building at 4-5 Arlington Street, London, SW1A 1RA for £11.3m and intend to refurbish it during 2006. - (25-11-2005)

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Manchester Square refurbishment

The Portman Estate has submitted a planning application for the internal office refurbishment and extension of 10-12 Manchester Square, London, W1. The buildings comprise around 2,323 sq m (25,000 sq ft) and were formerly partly occupied by property adviser Colliers CRE. The architect is Feilden + Mawson. - (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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Hammerson deal at Northgate

Hammerson has entered into a £4.1m three-year option agreement with London Borough of Hackney to acquire the long term leasehold interest in Northgate, at Worship Street and Curtain Road, London, EC2, adjoining the Norton Folgate site already owned by the group. Lehman Brothers has agreed to end its current option arrangement on the Northgate site which has permission for 71,500 sq m (770,000 sq ft) of offices. Hammerson already has permission for a 20-storey office of 18,600 sq m (200,000 sq ft) on the Norton Folgate site. Hammerson is to submit a planning application later in the year for a revised mixed-use development of 79,000 sq m (850,000 sq ft), with about 43,000 sq ft (463,000 sq ft) of offices, hotel, and residential apartments. - (01-08-2005)

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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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LRP planning Vauxhall scheme

London & Regional Properties has said that reports on its proposals for the Vauxhall Cross island site, opposite Vauxhall Bridge, London, SW8, are inaccurate. The developer has been linked to plans to develop a mixed-use scheme with 9,290 sq m (100,000 sq ft) of offices and residential units. It appears that the size and mix of the scheme has not yet been decided upon. - (26-05-2005)

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Office scheme for 190 Strand

Property developer, Capital & Counties has submitted a planning application to develop 21,830 sq m (235,000 sq ft) of offices at 190 Strand, London WC1. When contacted, C&C confirmed its intentions but said that work will not get underway before 2008. The architect is KPF. - (22-04-2005)

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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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More offices from Portman.

Portman Estates has submitted a planning application to convert a residential mews at 19-22 Rodmarton Street, London W1, into a £2m office development. The scheme is the next phase of the company’s Gloucester Place scheme. When contacted, Portman refused to comment on the offices beyond saying that the project was still under consideration as to whether the offices will proceed or if they will remain residential. The architect is Sheppard Robson. - (18-04-2005)

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Start date for 150 Cheapside

St Martin's Property Corporation’s planned 19,000 sq m (204,516 sq ft) 8-storey office scheme at 150 Cheapside, London EC2, has been granted detailed planning permission and a shortlist of main contractors has been drawn up. Sir Robert McAlpine, Carillion, Mowlem, Skanska and Balfour Beatty are all reported to be on the shortlist for the new office building. Demolition of the existing site (known as St. Vedast House) is likely to begin before the end of this year and the building should be ready during 2008. - (14-04-2005)

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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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More London 7!

A new phase of the More London development is being planned. More London 7 will provide approximately 37,175 sq m (400,000 sq ft) of office space over 10 floors and include an unspecified amount of retail as well. A detailed planning application has yet to be submitted and no work will begin without a substantial pre-let. The development team remains the same as on previous More London projects. - (18-03-2005)

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Spring start for Winchmore House

British Steel Pension Fund is planning a refurbishment of the 7,897 sq m (85,000 sq ft) Winchmore House on Fetter Lane in EC4. The fund has vacant possession of the building and the refurbishment could start in spring 2005 for completion in early 2006. - (23-02-2005)

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British Land plans at Canada Water

British Land has agreed a 10-year development plan with the London Borough of Southwark on a 16ha (40-acres) site at Canada Water in London, SE16. Britsih land and Canada Quays are planning to develop about 9,290 sq m (100,000 sq ft) of office space as well as retail and leisure space and 2,000 homes and community facilities. A detailed planning application could be made in summer 2005 and a start on site made in 2006. - (23-02-2005)

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Canary and Ballymore win Wood Wharf

British Waterways, the owner of the 8.3ha (20-acre) Wood Wharf site to the east of Canary Wharf, London, E14, has chosen Canary Wharf Group and Ballymore Properties as its preferred partners on the £2bn regeneration. Offices, residential and a hotel are planned. - (01-02-2005)

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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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L&G confirm pre-let

2005 starts with good news, as Legal & General, the insurer, confirms, at last, that it has taken an initial 11,148 sq m (120,000 sq ft) pre-let on floors 3 to 8 at CLOUT’s 16,727 sq m (180,000 sq ft) 1, Coleman Street scheme (Austral House) in London, EC2. The new headquarters building will be completed in early 2007 and demolition of Austral House will start this month. Legal & General is planning to relocate 700 staff from Bucklersbury House and has taken a 20-year lease at £493.53 per sq m (£45.85 per sq ft) with a 30 month rent free period. Knight Frank is advising L&G. - (08-01-2005)

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CIS plans big scheme in Victoria area

Co-Op Investment Services is planning to renovate Abford House at 333 Vauxhall Bridge Road, London, London SW1. The company will soon submit an application to refurbish the nine-storey building into 13,935 sq m (150,000 sq ft) of offices. Gerald Eve is the planning consultant. - (03-12-2004)

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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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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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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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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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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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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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Parkview revises Battersea plans

Parkview, the developer, has submitted a revised planning application for Battesea Power station in London SW8. The new application is a revision to the 510,962 sq m (5.5m sq ft) plans approved in 2001 with key elements being a renovated power station building, two hotels, a theatre and office space, and up to 700 apartments. The new plans, which follow a feasibility review by Parkview and Lend Lease, open up the south side of the site and include 51,096 sq m (550,000 sq ft) of office space and a 20,996 sq m (226,000 sq ft) exhibition building. Letting agents are CB Richard Ellis and Davis Coffer Lyons. - (23-03-2004)

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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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L&G unveils St Giles Court plans

Legal & General and Stanhope have unveiled designs for a mixed-use 46,451 sq m (500,000 sq ft) for St Giles Court, St Giles High Street, off Oxford Street, London WC2. The scheme has been designed by the Italian architect, Renzo Piano and includes offices, restaurants and retail based around a new semi-covered public space. The scheme also includes 100 housing units. The scheme would require the demolition of L&G’s 18,600 sq m (200,000 sq ft) St Giles Court office block, currently occupied by the Ministry of Defence on a lease until 2011. At present public consultation into the propsals is underway and a planning application could be submitted to London Borough of Camden later this year. - (16-02-2004)

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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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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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Great Portland Estates switches to buy

Great Portland Estates has said that it is planning to start buying properties as it followed other commentators in calling the bottom of the property market in the West End. Although a few months behind others market 'gurus' with the comment, Toby Courtland, chief executive at Great Portland, is expecting to see rent rise in 2005. Great Portland reported first half pre-tax profits of £15.6m and is changing emphasis from selling properties. - (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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'Gherkin' shortlisted for award

The Swiss Re building, otherwise known as the ‘Gherkin’, in the City of London, has been shortlisted for the first London Planning Awards. The awards, run jointly by London mayor Ken Livingstone, London First, and the Royal Town Planning Institute, aim to highlight outstanding planning achievements in London. The Swiss Re building was designed by Foster & Partners and submitted for the award by Montagu Evans. Paddington Waterside Partnership is on the shortlist for the best community or partnership initiative category. - (31-10-2003)

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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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M&S unveils Baker Street design

Marks & Spencer, the retailer, has submitted detailed plans for an eight-storey 71,070 sq m (765,000 sq ft) on the 0.8ha (2-acre) site of the firm’s present headquarters at Michael House in Baker Street, London W1. The building, designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), will include 60,386 sq m (650,000 sq ft) of offices, 4,366 sq m (47,000 sq ft) of shops and a health club and 32 residential units. Marks & Spencer will seek a developer to undertake the scheme, which could be carried out as two building phases. Marks & Spencer is anticipating a planning consent in spring 2004 and the building will cost around £125m. Jones Lang LaSalle is the development advisor. - (06-09-2003)

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Parabola submits Kings Cross scheme

Parabola Land has submitted a planning application to London Borough of Islington for an eight-storey 27,870 sq m (300,000 sq ft) office scheme overlooking the Regent’s Canal in Kings Cross, London N1. The scheme will also include an arts centre and gallery along with a café and restaurant. The development, designed by architect Dixon Jones, is to be known as Kings Place, and is on a 0.6ha (1.3-acre) site bounded by York Way, the Regent’s Canal and Battlesbridge Basin. - (06-09-2003)

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Chesham House to go to Greycoat

The Crown Estate is being tipped to appoint the partnership between Greycoat and Morley Fund Management as the developer of Chesham House at 132-154 Regent Street, London W1. The 9,662 sq m (104,000 sq ft) scheme designed by Squire and Partners, was recently granted planning permission and involves the demolition of the existing Grade II-listed Chesham House behind retained facades on Regent Street, Beak Street and Regent Place. The scheme will also create a new façade to Warwick Street and a new fifth floor. The basement, ground and first floor levels will house retail space, with office space provided on the upper levels. - (03-05-2003)

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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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5 Cheapside plans submitted

A planning application has just been submitted for the refurbishment of 5 Cheapside, London EC4. The architect for the scheme is Rolfe Judd and the developer is St Martins Property Corporation. 5 Cheapside is an unusual octagonal building and the office floorspace will be increased from 3,479 sq m (37,447 sq ft) to 3,786 sq m (40,752 sq ft). The 5,248 sq m (56,489 sq ft) building will have retail units of 230 sq m (2,475 sq ft) on the ground floor. - (27-02-2003)

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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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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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Lambeth rejects Arup scheme

This week the London Borough of Lambeth refused to grant planning permission to the Belvedere Court scheme in York Road, London SE1. The decision was made against the officer recommendation. Belvedere Court is planned by Lend Lease and designed by Arup Associates. The refusal was based on design, overlooking of the listed County Hall, impact of retail on local shops, and loss of public open space. - (20-12-2002)

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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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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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Camden tube offices

London Underground has announced plans for a new tube station at Camden Town in London NW1. A planning application is to be submitted to the London Borough of Camden in the next few weeks. The proposal includes a seven-storey office building, a new bus interchange, a ticket hall and four blocks of flats. A temporary station will be built before the existing structure is demolished and rebuilt. - (10-11-2002)

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National policy rejected

The government has rejected ideas that the UK should have a national planning guidance on tall buildings, saying "it does not believe that a separate policy is needed". The update to policy in PPG 1 (Planning Policy Guidance) will instead "underline the importance of securing well designed, safe, and sustainable developments that show respect for their surroundings". Tall building proposals will continue to be considered in their specific context. The comments are a response to the Commons urban affairs select committee report on tall buildings issued in September this year, which called for a national framework. - (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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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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King Cross 'vision' appears

The latest plans for Kings Cross have been unveiled by Argent, and partners London & Continental Railways and St George, pending an outline planning application being submitted for the 29ha (72-acre) site. The last major plans for Kings Cross were by Rosehaugh Stanhope in the late 1980's when over 6m sq ft of office space was proposed. In the mixed-use 'vision' office development is contained in blocks 4 and 5 as the 'Southern Hub' and also in Blocks 7 and 8 to the rear of the site. The office blocks range between 8-25 storeys, with the potential to go higher. The remainder of the scheme includes retail, residential and leisure uses and the total floorspace of all uses is between 7m to 8.6m sq ft. Jones Lang LaSalle is advising on the development, which will not be able to start before 2007. - (06-10-2002)

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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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Clout revises Basinghall Street scheme

City of London Office Unit Trust (Clout), made up of Pillar, Schroder Exempt Property Unit Trust and SITQ Albion, has submitted a planning application for 35 Basinghall Street, London EC2, which increase the floorspace on the previously approved scheme. The latest application by Bennetts Associates is for a ten-story 17,413 sq m (187,433 sq ft) scheme that will provide about 12,122 sq m (130,481 sq ft) of net floorspace. The new scheme has introduced two additional floors into the building without a major increase in its height. - (18-04-2002)

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Jarvis submits application

Jarvis, the support services company, has submitted a planning application for the Westgate site at 8-22 Smithfield Street and 30-38 Hosier Lane, London EC1. Jarvis intends to build a new six-storey 15,492 sq m (166,755 sq ft) building as a new headquarters to accommodate its City and West End offices. The scheme will also have retail uses on the ground floor. The architect for the scheme is CPMG Architects. - (18-04-2002)

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Skanska to build Moor House

Skanska has been appointed as the main contractor for the Moor House scheme, which is being funded as a limited partnership with Henderson Investors and Hammerson. The 44,658 sq m (480,710 sq ft) gross external scheme, is conceived as a curved vertical design of 19-storeys. The building will comprise about 26,400 sq m (284,000 sq ft) net of offices and 1,810 sq m (19,500 sq ft) of retail space. Completion is planned for early 2003. - (03-04-2002)

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WTC4 turns to residential

City & Provincial has revised its plans for its World Trade Centre scheme and is now intending that Building 4 (WTC4), of 31,240 sq m (336,267 sq ft) will be a 24-storey residential block named Discovery Dock. The compnay has cited a 'slow' commercial office market in London and planning delays as the reasons for the change in strategy. The scheme has an exisiting planning permission for residential that can be implemented. - (30-03-2002)

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Grands Union Building decision close

The revised planning application for the 89,087 sq m (958,954 sq ft) office and retail 'Grand Union Building' development at Paddington, designed by Richard Rogers Partnership, is due to go to Westminster City Council planning committee on 14th March. It is thought that members of the Chelsfield led consortium will 'allez' from MIPIM to be back in time for the meeting. - (04-03-2002)

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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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British Land in White City talks

British Land and Chelsfield are said to be in discussions to form a joint venture company to develop the White City centre in west London. The 16.6ha (40-acre) site between Wood Lane and the West Cross route is planned as £700m shopping centre of around 111,482 sq m (1.2m sq ft) and this will include an office complex, a hotel, 9,290 sq m (100,000 sq ft) of leisure space and social housing. The scheme has been designed by Ian Richie and has meet with many planning objections. - (18-02-2002)

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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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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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