Development plans provide boost for City commercial sector

Plans for two high-rise office schemes have been revealed that could provide a significant boost to the commercial sector in the City of London.

Hong Kong-based developer Tenacity has unveiled updated proposals for its redevelopment of 70 Gracechurch Street, where it aims to create a new 33-storey tower (pictured above).

Adjacent to the 20 Fenchurch Street building (Walkie Talkie), the structure will provide around 55,700m² of office and retail space.

The 155m-tall scheme, to be known as The Forum, could start on site in 2022.

The landmark building will feature viewing galleries on levels 29 and 30, while green spaces will occupy the areas between the scheme’s three separate elements.

Meanwhile, developer British Land has released new plans for 2 Finsbury Avenue (2FA) at Broadgate, the largest pedestrianised neighbourhood in central London.

The scheme (above), which is being designed by Danish architect 3XN consists of a 12-storey podium with a 35-storey east tower and 20-storey western tower.

In line with British Land’s sustainability strategy, the building will target net-zero carbon in construction and operation as well as a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating. To achieve this ambitious goal, the team say a series of forward-thinking environmental initiatives will be incorporated.

To ensure flexibility for current and future needs, the offices have been designed with behavioural scientists from GXN and are interspersed with healthy, green areas and terraces to inspire creative collaboration and social interaction.

Connectivity to the existing neighbourhood is said to be a central element of the design and a new public route under the building will extend Finsbury Avenue to create a route from Eldon Street to Sun Street via Finsbury Avenue Square.