The City of London Corporation has today (14 December) resolved to approve an architecturally designed office-led development which sits across two levels, on Holborn Viaduct and Farringdon Street.

The Planning and Transportation Committee backed the plans for the scheme which will stand 10 floors tall on Holborn Viaduct and 12 floors on Farringdon Street. The site is located at a gateway to the Culture Mile.

The Royal London Asset Management scheme is targeting BREEAM Outstanding and delivers up to almost 36,000 sqm of high-quality flexible office floorspace, including scope for 14 SME desk spaces.

The scheme incorporates public realm enhancements, benefitting the local area, including the introduction of biodiverse planters with integrated seating and new dynamic public artwork in the form of digitisations of Museum of London’s artefacts.

The development also includes the celebration of the Grade II listed south-eastern Gatehouse – one of four which frame the Holborn Viaduct bridge. The gatehouse will also be equipped with new CCTV and renewed lighting to promote safety and security.

A new publicly accessible step-free lift will move pedestrians from the lower Farringdon Street up to Holborn Viaduct. At present, the only public vertical movement is via steps within the gatehouses.

The development supports sustainable travel with an additional 499 long-stay and 34 short-stay cycle parking. There will also be cargo-bike parking facilities and a new Wellness Hub with lockers and showers for office occupiers.

Chair of the City Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee, Alastair Moss, said:

“This unique scheme embraces the history of the site through the celebration of the Gatehouse, while also providing much needed high-quality flexible office space for the City.

“Schemes which boost vibrancy and accessibility, such as this development on Holborn Viaduct, will continue to help in drawing people to the City for work and play when Government guidance allows.

“With a business occupier already expressing interest in the development for its London headquarters, it is clear that the City office market is not only surviving – it is thriving.”

Head of Development at Royal London Asset Management, Philip Sutton, says:

“We are thrilled that planning permission has been approved.

“This is an exciting opportunity to regenerate this corner of Holborn Viaduct, delivering a BREEAM Outstanding building which makes a significant contribution to the wider public realm.

“The development will strengthen London’s reputation as a global business centre, providing quality commercial space that prioritises wellness and future ways of working, whilst also strengthening our market leading sustainability standards.”

The development also includes a Local Community Outreach Program for the City and neighbouring boroughs to provide workshops on topics such as green skills, employability skills sessions and on biodiversity and sustainability for local school children.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

About the City of London Corporation
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

About Royal London Asset Management (RLAM):

Established in 1988, Royal London Asset Management (RLAM) is one of the UK's leading fund management companies, providing investment management solutions to both wholesale and institutional clients such as not-for-profit organisations, local authorities and the insurance sector.

RLAM manages £153 billion of assets and employs 126 investment professionals as at 30 June 2021. It invests in all major asset classes including UK and overseas equities, government bonds, investment grade and high yield corporate bonds, property and cash.

For professional clients only, not suitable for retail investors.

Shani Annand-Baron
Media Officer, City of London Corporation
shani.annand-baron@cityoflondon.gov.uk or 07710 860885