The City of London Corporation has approved plans for a 10-storey office block development at 3-4 Holborn Circus.
The plans from Evans Randall Investors, conceived by architectural practice WilkinsonEyre, feature a building designed as two nested forms, sitting on the southern side of Holborn Circus between New Fetter Lane and St Andrew Street.
Retail space will also be offered at ground floor and office floor space above.
A new pocket park – in addition to the widening of St Andrew’s Street and an additional east/west route – is also part of the plans.
The scheme will deliver 846 square metres in green space, planted with climate and disease resilient species to encourage biodiversity.
In total, 23 new trees are proposed as part of the development. Vertical greening and intensive green roofs are integrated into the design.
The BREEAM pre-assessment demonstrates the development is on track to achieve a sustainability rating of “outstanding”.
With the addition of 168 long stay and 85 short stay cycle parking spaces – including a new 60 space public cycle hub – the development will be car free apart from designated parking spaces for Blue Badge holders.
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The cultural strategy includes proposals for art installations on the building and within the new pedestrian routes and in the new pocket park, alongside potential pop-up events.
Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee, Shravan Joshi, said: “This scheme delivers both a top-quality office development for City businesses and workers, as well as improved public spaces for everyone to enjoy.
“I welcome the efforts to embed sustainability at the heart of this redevelopment, delivering a net gain in green space, encouraging walking and cycling and incorporating low-carbon measures in the building’s design.
“Schemes which deliver a vibrant public realm, alongside office space which meets the needs of a modern workforce, will continue to draw people back into the City as our recovery gathers pace.”
Managing Director at Evans Randall Investors, Ned Williams, said: “We very much welcome the City of London Corporation’s support for the redevelopment of Thavies Inn House, marking a crucial step in the project’s evolution.
“The design will set the standard for modern occupiers, embracing and exceeding the operational, sustainability and experiential standards required.
“Similarly, the introduction of the new City park and range of associated public realm improvements will redefine this prime, gateway location.”
Featured image by Wilkinson Eyre
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