A towering new addition to London’s skyline has been given the green light, as the City of London Corporation has approved plans for a 54-story skyscraper at 99 Bishopsgate. The development, spearheaded by Brookfield Properties, will replace part of the existing 28-story tower with nearly 100,000 square meters of office space, a ground-floor market hall, and a standalone six-story cultural building.
While the project promises to bring significant investment and transformation to the Square Mile, it has also sparked opposition from heritage groups and notable figures, including former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Rowan Williams. Williams, a patron of the St Ethelburga’s Centre, expressed concerns about the impact on the historic Grade I-listed church, warning that reduced natural light and construction disruption would be “deeply damaging.”
Historic England and St Paul’s Cathedral also raised objections, citing concerns over the visual impact on London’s historic skyline. However, City of London planning officers argued that the benefits outweighed potential drawbacks, leading the Planning Applications Sub-Committee to approve the proposal in a vote of 17 in favor, none against, and two abstentions.
Brookfield Properties President Dan Scanlon described the redevelopment as a “game-changer” for the City, emphasizing the project’s cultural and community benefits, including a new public space and over £40 million in community infrastructure funding. He acknowledged the concerns raised but highlighted mitigation efforts, such as the creation of a new pocket park.
During the committee meeting on January 31, Deputy Shravan Joshi, the committee chair, questioned the strength of objections regarding St Paul’s Cathedral, noting that visual impact assessments did not indicate significant harm. Meanwhile, Deputy Marianne Fredericks criticized the restrictions on public objections, pointing out that St Paul’s Cathedral had been denied a chance to speak due to a five-day notice rule. She urged greater flexibility in allowing stakeholders to voice their concerns.
The discussion also touched on pedestrian and cyclist safety, with Deputy Joshi stressing the need for clear signage and designated dismount areas for cyclists.
With approval secured, the project is set to move forward, reshaping London’s financial district with a striking new high-rise.
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