A proposed 70-storey skyscraper in the City of London would stand at almost 300m, making it nearly as tall as The Shard (309m). The tower, planned by US insurer AmTrust, would replace the existing Exchequer Court office building on St Mary Axe, near the Gherkin.
Design and public spaces
The revamped tower would also tower over nearby landmarks, including the Gherkin (180m) and the Cheesegrater (225m). Reports indicate the building would create 100,000m2 of office space, while the first seven floors would be open to the public, housing cultural, exhibition, and events spaces.
A publicly accessible double-height landscaped garden is planned for the seventh floor, with views of the Gherkin, and reports suggest a rooftop garden as well. According to Construction Enquirer, the design is being developed to 'respect' views of the Grade 1-listed St Helen's Bishopsgate Church in the St Helen's Place Conservation Area, featuring a 'pulled back' design to create a public courtyard.
Timeline and other projects
The plans are currently in consultation. AmTrust, which paid £105,000,000 for the site in 2017, is expected to submit a planning application in early 2027 and hopes to complete the redevelopment by 2033.
Other new towers are also planned for the City of London. A £1,000,000,000 building named One London will replace St Helen's Tower, close to Exchequer Court, between the Cheesegrater and the Gherkin. The 74-storey building will feature Europe's highest publicly accessible viewing gallery. Outside the City, the BT Tower is being converted into a hotel with a rooftop swimming pool and a 360-degree revolving observation deck, while several new skyscrapers in Vauxhall will include homes, student accommodation, a hotel, and retail and leisure amenities.
