Plans approved for 56-storey skyscraper in London’s Square Mile

The City of London Corporation has given the go-ahead for a new skyscraper at 100 Leadenhall Street.

The building, to be delivered by Lai Sun Development Company, will be the third tallest in the Square Mile at 263.4 metres.

The scheme will see existing properties at 100, 106 and 107 Leadenhall Street demolished to make way for the 56-storey building.

Nicknamed ‘Cheesegrater 2’, it will comprise more than 1,000,000 sq ft of office accommodation with room for an estimated 6,300 workers.

In addition to its workspace element, the building will house basement showers, bicycle parking, ground-floor retail units, two podium terraces and a public viewing gallery on the top two levels.

The first floor of the viewing gallery will offer 360-degree views across the city, while the top level will look to south. The space will be used as a restaurant and bar outside of public viewing gallery hours.

Image: Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

Chris Hayward, chairman of the City of London Corporation’s planning and transportation committee, said: “I’m delighted that we have approved latest addition to the City’s growing office district.

“As a leading business district accommodating 483,000 workers every day, it is vital to continue to deliver office space for the significant growth expected with the arrival of the Elizabeth line later this year.”

He continued: “Leading to a church dating back to the 12th Century, this development demonstrates the City’s distinctive ability to house the old and new side by side, while becoming more accessible to creative workers and members of the public.

“More than ever we are seeing businesses make location decisions based on the quality of built environment and public realm that they can offer their employees.”

Chris added: “Today’s committee decision will boost confidence and international talent in the City of London.”