Hackney office block up for approval

Plans for a new office block on Old Street, EC1, have been recommended for approval at today’s Hackney Council planning meeting. H Company 2’s proposals would create a part-five, part-14 storey building at 1 Vince Street and 229-233 Old Street following the demolition of the two-storey building and four single-storey units. This would create roughly 39,500 sq ft of office space, more than 10% of which would be affordable workspace, as well as just under 600 sq ft for a bar or retail use on the ground floor. Recommending the plans for approval, planning officers said the scheme would “deliver a significant quantum of high-quality commercial floorspace which will complement the regeneration of this part of Hackney and strengthen the commercial offering within the City fringe/Tech City Opportunity Area”. They added: “The provision of affordable workspace will support the borough’s objective to support the needs of a range of business including start-ups, SMEs and cultural and creative enterprises such as artists’ studios and designer-maker spaces, as well as charities and social enterprises.”