British Land has received planning permission for a new City office building, which authorities said would “re-enliven” the surrounding Liverpool Street area.
Developers will demolish existing buildings at 2-3 Finsbury Avenue, EC2, to make way for a 38-storey office flanked by a 20-storey development next door. They will be connected by a central podium.
It is the latest in a glut of City towers to get approval in recent weeks, after Patrick Wong’s Tenacity Group got sign-off on two office developments, both on Gracechurch Street, EC3.
City planning committee chair Alastair Moss said: “2 Finsbury Avenue is yet another bold example of solid commitment to the City of London by developers as the nation looks toward the steps to unlock national restrictions.”
Danish architect 3XN said it hoped the scheme could be built and eventually run with net-zero carbon emissions. It comprises 85,000 sq m of office space, along with retail and restaurants.
British Land development head Nigel Webb added: “As businesses look beyond Covid-19, it is clear that high quality workspace in great locations will continue to play a crucial role in their success, by promoting and supporting innovation, collaboration, training and culture.”
It replaces an already consented plan by Arup for a 32-storey tower at the same site, prompting objections from parties including Hackney Council.
Planners had complained the new scheme was “a significant increase in the bulk, height and scale of the proposed building,” and said it would “lead to increased visual dominance” over the surrounding neighbourhood.
They added it would detract from the neighbouring Grade II listed Flying Horse pub, as well as a number of heritage buildings on nearby Sun Street.
However, it was not enough to dissuade City of London Corporation planners, who voted in favour of the scheme this morning.
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