The City of London Corporation Planning Applications Sub-Committee has, today, approved a striking new office scheme at 1 Little New Street which will feature a wide range of public benefits, including upgrades for Shoe Lane Library and a new restaurant on the top floor.

Delivering over 57,000 sqm of best in class, Grade A office space to accommodate around 3,000 employees, the Hill House proposals will contribute to the continued resurgence of the Fleet Street area, providing a unique design with cascading stepped green landscaped terraces.

Along with the much-needed new office space, the new Hill House development will see the Shoe Lane library moved from the basement, to ground level, with a more prominent entrance experience. A number of new facilities for the library are also featured in the plans, including flexible affordable workplaces, a changing places toilet and exclusive managed use of the level 18 top floor amenity space and rooftop for community events, offering outstanding views of the City.

Coupled with the building’s green terraces are plans to plant 28 new street trees and increase public realm space, altogether delivering a 500% biodiversity net gain for the area. The proposals also include over 860 long and short stay cycle parking spaces, an off-peak servicing delivery strategy and a 90% retention of the existing building’s substructure, all of which amount to excellent sustainability credentials and will minimise impact of construction on local residents.

Deputy Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee, Graham Packham, said:

“The Hill House scheme is a fantastic example of the new holistic office schemes that the City Corporation are delivering sustainably, across the Square Mile: Inclusive, green and respectful of valued community assets, whilst providing public realm improvements for local residents and visitors.

“Through the City Corporation’s Destination City programme, together with developments like Hill House, we are creating a unique and diverse offer for local workers, residents and visitors, to make the Square Mile to a world-leading destination for all to enjoy.”