AHMM chops 11 storeys off controversial London Bridge tower

15/6/21

The practice submitted plans to Southwark Council in 2018 for the New City Court project on St Thomas Street near London Bridge station.

However, the project for Great Portland Estates (see original scheme below) drew objections from Save Britain's Heritage over its impact on local listed buildings and Guy's Hospital, which said it would reduce daylight to student housing.

The developer decided to explore alternative solutions for how the site could be developed and has come back with a new building 11 storeys shorter, redesigned flexible workspace, a public roof terrace and a more sustainable building.

The scheme involves demolishing a 1980s buildings on the site and revamping an existing listed terrace at 4-16 St Thomas Street and overhaul of Keats House at 24-26 St Thomas Street.

The new scheme will contain 55,000m² of offices, 5,528m² of flexible affordable workspace, retail units and a new Tube entrance for London Bridge Station.

James Shipton, development manager, Great Portland Estates said: 'This alternative 2021 scheme for New City Court has not been necessitated by Covid-19 but does include ample flexibility of workspaces, outdoor spaces for workers and public space built in to the design.

'The need for flexible and outdoor spaces have been sorely highlighted by the pandemic. As we return to the workplace with changing behaviours and expectations, New City Court will be at the forefront of catering for a modern workplace.'

The new application is expected to be submitted this spring.

Source: Architects Journal