A massive 60-storey skyscraper could change London’s iconic skyline forever.
New pictures have revealed plans to build a 285-metre tower at 55 Bishopsgate in the City of London for office workers.
The £600million project in the Square Mile is being led by developer Schroders Capital, while the building has been designed by architects Arney Fender Katsalidis (AFK).
If the project goes ahead, the huge tower will be one of the tallest buildings in the UK – the tallest being London’s Shard, at 310 metres.
The tower will feature 800,000 square-feet of work space, with areas for the public to visit for free at the top and bottom of the building. The block will include automatic blinds that respond to light, to save energy and reduce carbon emissions.
A report seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service said the design of the building is based on “structures found in nature”. Architects created its proportions using the ancient Fibonacci sequence – a mathematical pattern found in living things like pinecones and flower petals.
NOW READ: City planning bosses consider Tokyo-style wooden skyscrapers
It adds: “55 Bishopsgate will be one of the first all-electric tall buildings in the UK… The proposals also include an extensive bicycle park with best-in-class end-of-trip service facilities, encouraging active lifestyles and fitness.
“As well as responding sympathetically to protected views across the capital, the slender tapering design seeks to make a positive contribution to the skyline by balancing the composition of existing and proposed nearby tall buildings.”
The development is in its early phase, with a consultation on the project underway. If the plans go ahead, a formal application will be sent to the City of London Corporation.
The City’s Planning Committee would then have the final say on whether the project gets the go-ahead.
A webpage dedicated to the project said: “We want this building to draw people from a wide area, not simply those from the immediate vicinity, to benefit existing businesses, local shops and cafés, by attracting new visitors and custom.
“We aim to become part of the fabric of the area, not just by delivering a landmark building but by ensuring that it is one which integrates with what is around it.
“We will maximise opportunities associated with the construction of the project through offering apprenticeships and working with local charities.”
For the latest headlines from the City of London and beyond, follow City Matters on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
