The City of London’s tallest skyscraper is set to be developed on the site of the former Pinnacle development, which was granted planning permission in April 2006.
The building, at 22 Bishopgate, will be 62 storeys tall (278m-high) and rival the Shard in height (which is 309m-high) to become one of Europe’s tallest skyscrapers.
Backers of the development, led by Axa Investment Managers, received unanimous support of the City of London’s planning committee.
The consortium acquired the site for £300m earlier this year from the previous Middle Eastern backers. The building has a completion date of 2019 and construction is expected to begin next year.
The tower will be the first in the City designed by a woman, Karen Cook, of architects PLP. According to the 22 Bishopsgate website, the tower “sits at the centre of the City’s cluster of tall buildings. It is designed to respond to its neighbours and respect important views from many parts of London.”
The tower will be active at street level, with lots going on for the many people and companies who work there.
“There will be a constant buzz of activity on the ground, creating a place which is alive and stimulating, not another faceless marble lobby.
Tenants can make use of restaurants, doctors, dry cleaners, grocers and more.”
Annie Hampson, the City’s chief planning officer, said: “22 Bishopsgate exemplifies many of the qualities we are looking for in our landmark buildings; it is elegant, calm, and open to the public.
“Tall buildings in the City’s eastern cluster near transport hubs are an effective way of creating the increase in office space and employment needed for a growing London.”
The building will house both shops and restaurants, in addition 1,500 bike spaces and a cycle-repair shop.
Axa said that it “aims to set new standards in promoting cycling in line with emerging policies to inspire a modal change in transport”.