London is officially set to add another shiny sky-high structure to its collection, as a planning application was approved by the City of London Corporation earlier this week. The plans in question will see a 1950s office block on Fenchurch Street transformed into an impressive new high-rise building. And the design for the new building on the block comes courtesy of WilkinsonEyre (the brains that were behind Battersea Power Station‘s mighty makeover).
Where will this new building be?
130 Fenchurch Street will do exactly what it say on the tin, to be quite honest with you. It will be perched proudly at 130 Fenchurch Street, on the site that’s currently occupied by Fountain House. Having been built between 1954 and 1958, the 13-story block was one of the first tall buildings to have been constructed after The Blitz. But Fountain House is now set to be demolished as soon as next year, making way for the new building that’ll be over twice its size in height.
130 Fenchurch Street
The new building will (quite literally) level up the site of 130 Fenchurch Street. Set to resemble the shape of a crown; the uniquely staggered regal structure will boast 31-storeys. The majority of which will be used as office space. There will also be some public spaces thrown in there for good measure, though. 130 Fenchurch Street is set to feature various food, drink and shopping outlets, a pedestrian route between Fenchurch Street and Leadenhall Market, and a public viewing space and terrace on the 20th floor, offering some pretty impressive views across the city.
One of the most exciting prospects for 130 Fenchurch Street will be found on the 17th floor. Not only will this floor feature a cultural space that will be used for various exhibitions and displays; but the 17th floor will also boast a sky-high garden. Set to rival the leafy green likes of the Walkie Talkie’s Sky Garden and the Garden at 120; this will be the capital’s fourth garden-in-the-sky.
Now that the plans have been given the green light, Fountain House is set to be demolished next year, and 130 Fenchurch Street could be up and running as soon as 2030.
Tom Sleigh, Chairman of the City of London Corporation Planning and Transportation Committee, said: “130 Fenchurch captures our ambition to unlock growth: a striking new workplace in the heart of the City, with routes and views that open up the City for everyone.
“This is about more than one building – it’s part of a pattern of proactive planning decisions that are helping to shape a future-ready Square Mile: greener, denser, more dynamic, and firmly aligned with the UK’s growth mission.”
Find out more information about the plans for 130 Fenchurch Street here.