London’s Scalpel building takes shape

Eventually reaching a height of 190m, 52 Lime Street – otherwise known as the Scalpel – is rapidly taking shape in the City of London.

Joining a cluster of prestigious high-rise buildings in the square mile the structure will offer 36,966m² of internal floor area over 35 office floors, etail and restaurant areas.

Designed by architects Kohn Pedersen Fox, the project also includes a public square. The realm may also provide space for public art and tables linked to a specialist ground floor coffee shop, designed as a nod to the 17th Century establishments that acted as meeting houses for London’s fledgling insurance market.

Working on behalf of main contractor Skanska, William Hare will erect 10,500t of structural steelwork for the project.

The Scalpel’s distinctive design features an inclined northern elevation and a 10-storey pointed attic that will accommodate plant areas.

The building will be handed over at the end of the year.