The Corporation has overwhelmingly voted to approve a 10-storey, mixed-use office scheme in High Holborn, to replace the existing Holborn Gate, Heron House and 44 Southampton Buildings.
At 50,000 square metres, the new scheme would deliver 1.5% of the required Grade A, sustainable office floorspace to meet projected economic and employment growth. It is also estimated to provide more than 3,000 jobs, significantly contributing to maintaining the City’s position as the world’s leading financial and professional services business centre.
City Planning Officers and committee members commended the design of the proposed development, reached through a collaborative and constructive relationship with the applicant. It will meet the highest sustainability credentials and feature floorspace to suit a wide range of tenants, including provision of affordable workspace available for creative industries at 50% of market rent. Architecturally, the building will deliver a significant aesthetic enhancement to the local area, with a sophisticated and well-integrated design that is respectful of the local area’s history.
Alongside the office space, the scheme features a 1,923 square metre area designated for a range of potential community uses at both ground floor and basement levels. It is intended for this flexible cultural offer to become a unique venue space, named the Holborn Dome. It would include a 300 capacity, immersive auditorium, with exhibition spaces for community events.
The dome design has been inspired by the former Knights Templar Church, which once stood at almost the same position as where the new dome will sit.
Additionally, a remodelled pocket park and upgrading of public routes around the site will provide more pleasant places to relax in and walk through, whilst making the Square Mile an easier place to travel through, more generally. A new water fountain and public toilets will also be provided.
Chairman of the Corporation Planning and Transportation Committee, Tom Sleigh, said:
“This is exactly the kind of scheme we want to see more of in the Square Mile – best-in-class office space that keeps London globally competitive, while also delivering public spaces that everyone can enjoy.
“Supporting the primary business function of the City through meeting this huge level of demand for office space is critical, but I’m particularly pleased by the retention of sections of the Knights Templar, a brilliant way to connect the new venue with the history of the site.”
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