A post-modernist building near the Barbican is set to be modernised and extended after planning permission was granted today (17 November) by the City of London Corporation.

The Arindel Properties design for 150 Aldersgate Street includes a ground floor café, more than 17,000 sqm of office floorspace and ambitious urban greening.

Sustainability features, including green roofs, roof terraces, hard and soft landscaping and the creation of external courtyards, are set to bring a significant benefit to townscape views, wellbeing and improve air quality.

The development, at the heart of the Culture Mile, will also improve pedestrian experience with the introduction of level access to the building and the upgrading of Braidwood Passage with new lighting and public art.

Further investment in sustainable travel is also included, with more than 250 cycle parks included in the design.

Chair of the Planning and Transportation Committee at the City of London Corporation, Alastair Moss, said:

“The approved scheme demonstrates that the City continues to be an attractive location for developers and investors despite the pandemic. It offers modern and flexible office space in a popular Square Mile area and will play its part in making the City a thriving 24/7 destination for residents, workers and visitors.

“The many urban greening elements, including roof terraces, tree planting and landscaping, will provide benefits to both office occupiers and the wider local community by improving visual amenity, well-being and biodiversity.”

The City of London Corporation has a commitment to world-class sustainable development and has included the key aims of greening of the Square Mile and more open spaces in the City Plan 2036.

As part of this, all new developments and refurbishments will be required to include a greening element to the building or public realm to contribute to improving biodiversity, rainwater run-off, air and noise pollution, temperature regulation, and making the City a more visually desirable business location.

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Notes to editors

The City of London Corporation is the governing body of the Square Mile dedicated to a vibrant and thriving City, supporting a diverse and sustainable London within a globally-successful UK. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk