London developer CO-RE has revealed plans for a major redevelopment on Fleet Street which will include the reopening of the historic Daily Express newspaper building.
CO-RE hopes to renovate the Grade II* listed art deco site and redevelop the adjoining River Court, a 1990s block which was home to Goldman Sachs until the bank relocated in 2019.
In its place will be a 21-floor block containing 540,000 sq ft of offices and 18,000 sq ft of retail space. The new building will feature a stepped design with more than 32,000 sq ft of external terraces, designed by architect BIG.
The new scheme will involve separating the Daily Express Building (pictured) and River Court redevelopment with a publicly accessible arcade running between them.
Developers hope the space will bring new retailers to Fleet Street, improve the area’s public realm and open up views of the nearby St Bride’s Church.
Meanwhile, they added, the renovated newspaper site will play host to exhibition areas and other space which celebrates its Fleet Street past.
David Hutton, director at CO-RE, said: “120 Fleet Street will raise the bar for the future of offices. New office buildings will need to cater for occupiers that demand sustainability, health and wellbeing and future flexibility to be at the centre of their design.
“We are particularly proud to be showcasing the iconic Daily Express Building and bringing it back into the public imagination with all of the cultural opportunities this offers. Its art deco foyer is one of London’s hidden gems that we can’t wait to reveal and its new public roof garden will provide breathtaking views of St Paul’s, St Bride’s and beyond.”
A public consultation has been launched on the proposals today. CO-RE aims to submit plans later in spring 2021 with a view to construction starting in Q1 2022.
Andy Young, technical director at BIG, added: “We hope to deliver a building of great elegance and relevance to its location that provides a new and improved setting for the Daily Express Building on Fleet Street.”
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