Image: Skidmore, Owings and Merrill
A 56-storey skyscraper dubbed ‘Cheesegrater 2’ looks set to be built in the City of London after planners gave it the green light.
When complete, the building will be 263.4m high, making it the third-tallest building in the Square Mile.
Its developer, the Hong Kong-based Lai Sun Development Company, had faced opposition from the guardians of St Paul’s Cathedral, which raised concerns that new buildings were "chipping away" at London’s heritage views.
But the City of London Corporation granted planning permission for the structure, designed by Skidmore Owings & Merrill at 100 Leadenhall, which will involve the demolition of existing developments at 100, 106 & 107 Leadenhall Street.
‘Cheesegrater 2’, will provide over 102,000 square metres of office accommodation, as well as basement showers, cycle parking, ground-floor retail space, two podium terraces and a public viewing gallery on the top two floors which will be served by dedicated lifts.
The first level of the free public viewing gallery will provide 360-degree panoramic views across London while the top floor will offer views to the south, hosting up to 360 guests at a time. Outside of public viewing gallery hours, the levels will be used as a restaurant and bar.
Construction is due to complete in 2026.
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.
"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.
"Today’s committee decision will boost confidence and international talent in the City of London."
