The City of London Corporation Planning Applications Sub-Committee has approved planning permission for the 55 Bishopsgate scheme. The scheme comprises a 63 storey and 22 storey mixed-use buildings, that will feature a free to visit public roof top, with a biodiverse climate resilient garden for relaxation, events and educational opportunities. The scheme will also feature an external platform at the summit, offering 360-degree views of London for everyone to enjoy.

The development would be a distinct, sustainable and elegant architectural addition to the consolidation of the City Cluster on the London skyline delivering 103,000 sqm of much needed office space. This will provide 14% of the projected office demand required for the Square Mile up to 2036, including co-working and affordable workspace.

The buildings would be open at ground level providing 2,545 sqm of new public realm, flowing through to the wider Bishopsgate area. The space will be open 24 hours, seven days a week, creating a welcoming and inclusive space, with opportunities to support events and pop-ups, digital screens and art installations and landscaping. Further public cultural spaces are proposed at the 2nd and 3rd floors, including an auditorium and meeting spaces, developed in conjunction with New London Architecture, to provide a new permanent home for the London Centre.  

At 284 meters tall, 55 Bishopsgate will become the third tallest tower in the Square Mile, behind the 1 Undershaft scheme (305m) and 22 Bishopsgate (295 m). 55 Bishopsgate will also become an exemplar of the City Corporation’s Climate Action Strategy, with urban greening features and high efficiency renewable energy technologies, integrated into the design. The proposals also support active travel and include 1,400 long stay cycle spaces, over 120 short stay car parking.

Chairman of the City of London Corporation Planning and Transport Committee, Shravan Joshi, said: “I am delighted to see the 55 Bishopsgate scheme granted planning permission which sets a high bar for others to follow. The free, public viewing gallery and external platform will deliver an exciting and inclusive resource for all to enjoy, bringing us closer to our Destination City vision to transform the Square Mile into a seven-day-a-week visitor destination.

“Decisions like these also cement the City’s position as the world’s leading international financial and business centre. The site is central to the City’s growth modelling and will make a huge contribution to the office space needed to meet projected economic and employment growth demand.”

Demolition of the existing site and subsequent construction works at 55 Bishopsgate are expected to being in 2024 and completed in 2029.