Tower Hamlets (Parliament Politics Magazine) – AXA IM Alts has submitted plans for a 46-storey skyscraper in Tower Hamlets, replacing an existing building near The Gherkin, with a new public park included.
After 50 Fenchurch Street and 22 Bishopsgate, the proposed tower would be AXA IM Alts’ third skyscraper in London to be built or in the process of being built in recent years. It would also have facilities including a public park.
The Corporation’s web portal has not yet displayed the plans. However, a spokeswoman has confirmed that they have been filed and will be made public after officers have verified them.
Last year, Tower Hamlets Council expressed worry about the indicative proposal for 63 St Mary Axe due to its possible impact on the Tower of London World Heritage Site, according to a report by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).
Given the possibility of “likely significant effects on the Tower of London World Heritage Site and Scheduled Monument, and Tower Bridge Grade I listed building and their settings, LBTH expects to see consideration of alternative scale and massing of the Proposed Development,” the council, which is located to the east of the city and close to the St Mary Axe site, wrote.
The development was “currently in the process of consulting with all relevant stakeholders,” according to a spokeswoman at the time.
According to AXA IM Alts’ most recent report, throughout the past 18 months, it has interacted with over 350 neighborhood associations and other stakeholders.
Rob Samuel, UK Head of Development at AXA IM Alts, said when formulating the proposal,
“it was important for us to work closely with local communities, business occupiers, start-ups and other public and private sector bodies, to ensure that 63 St. Mary Axe bridges the gap between local people, City workers and tourists”.
Mr Samuel continued:
“It is intended to be an inclusive building which delivers the type of innovative and forward thinking workspace that helps the City of London continue to attract global occupiers.
We have combined this with significant new green public spaces that align with the City of London Corporation’s ambition to keep the Square Mile more open and alive in and outside of traditional working hours, while also celebrating the City’s important Roman and medieval heritage.”
The tallest building in the city, 22 Bishopsgate, which was finished in 2020, has reportedly reached 100% capacity. In addition to offices, it has five Gordon Ramsay restaurants and the largest free public viewing gallery in Europe.
What environmental features will the new 46-storey building include?
AXA IM Alts’ proposed 46-story office building at 63 St Mary Axe, next to The Gherkin, will have a number of environmentally friendly features that promote biodiversity and sustainability.
Every office floor of the building will include a planted garden, giving residents direct access to green areas and fresh air. The incorporation of nature into the urban workstation is highlighted in this design.
Adjacent to the building, a new urban park with low-level plants and mature trees will be developed. In addition to improving biodiversity, this park will offer building occupants and visitors a tranquil setting.
The planting of more than 100 new trees will greatly boost biodiversity throughout the site. In addition to creating lovely views, the tree canopies will naturally shade the area.