Landsec and Places for London have secured consent for revised plans for the 190,000 sq ft The Liberty of Southwark office-led development on London’s Bankside.
The consent is for amendments to plans first approved in 2021 to ensure the rare Roman mausoleum and mosaics found on the site in the last two years could be respectfully uncovered and housed in a new community hub at the site, which will be accessible to the general public.
The amendments also address updated building regulations, including the integration of a second staircase and lift lobby.
Landsec and Places for London are targeting BREEAM Outstanding and WELL Platinum for the net zero building, which will include ‘affordable’ workspace.
Marcus Geddes, managing director – workplace at Landsec, said: “This latest planning consent will enable us to bring new life to what’s been a largely underutilised site, while enhancing our pipeline of sustainable, well-connected workplaces in the vibrant community of Bankside. The addition of a community space to celebrate the site’s incredible history will create a new place to work and spend time, attracting people from near and far, boosting activity for local businesses and creating more value for London’s economy.”
Victoria Shin, senior property development manager at Places for London, added: “It’s fantastic that we’ve been given the go-ahead to progress our revised scheme in Southwark, which can now fully embrace and demonstrate the area’s rich history. Not only will the development incorporate the Roman mausoleum and mosaics, it will bring forward new commercial space and homes – creating a vibrant hub for the local community.”
Landsec will begin seeking a main contractor to deliver the Allies and Morrison-designed scheme soon and is looking to start construction later this year. CBRE and Knight Frank are joint letting agents on the development.
