Obayashi and Sellar have secured planning consent for the 36-storey 60 Gracechurch Street office building in the City of London.
The building will provide more than 37,000 sq m (circa 398,000 sq ft) of Grade A office space with new, sheltered public realm at ground floor level. It will also provide a free-to-access space known as the ‘Sanctuary’ at level 35 and a public roof garden offering views across London.
James Sellar, CEO of Sellar, said: “We have a shared commitment with Obayashi to develop a distinctively designed new landmark office building within the City’s eastern cluster. We also have a clear aim for 60 Gracechurch Street to be one of the Square Mile’s most sustainable and wellness focused workplaces and today’s decision marks an important step in taking us closer to achieving those goals.
“There is an acute shortage of office space across London that is able to meet the exacting requirements of the modern occupier and we firmly believe that being able to satisfy that demand is an important component in London’s ability to attract leading businesses and ensure it maintains its status as a world-class city. We would like to thank the City of London Corporation for their support and we now look forward to working with them and other local stakeholders as we continue to bring forward this exciting project.”
Shravan Joshi, chairman of the City of London planning and transportation committee, added: “The 60 Gracechurch Street proposals align perfectly with our City Plan, Climate Action Strategy and Destination City programme, delivering much needed A-Grade Office space, whilst simultaneously providing a new visitor and educational attraction, as well as contributing to our net zero goals.
“It is no coincidence that the City is bucking the global trend of rising office vacancy and stalling construction activity. With a dedicated, solution focussed planning department, combined with clear policy and strategy, we are creating an environment in which developers and investors can help us create a vibrant, thriving Square Mile, for all to enjoy.”
