Plans Submitted for 32-Story Tower Near Historic London Market

An application has been submitted to the City of London outlining plans to build a 32-story mixed-use office tower beside historic Leadenhall Market, Building reports. Proposals for 85 Gracechurch Street, drawn up by Woods Bagot, will see 35,000 m2 of grade A office space brought to market, as well as a large civic public hall at ground level. The new hall will recreate a historic pedestrian route between Gracechurch Street and Lime Street Passage and is designed to accommodate events to support the rejuvenation of Leadenhall Market, which dates back to the 14th century. The proposals also include a publicly accessible heritage garden with areas of densely planted woodland enclosing a multi-purpose cultural space focused on the history of the City of London, from the Roman era to the present. The cultural and exhibition space – which the developer said presented opportunities for archaeological display, VR exhibits and a café – is being brought forward in partnership with the Museum of London. The garden would lead visitors to an external elevated walkway around the site’s perimeter, offering views over the roofs of Leadenhall Market. Additionally, the development could provide the impetus for the holistic revival of the historic market, potentially driving footfall at the market, which the developer claims has declined post-pandemic. The project team include surveyor Shaw Corporation, QS Alinea, multi-disciplinary firm Arup, M&E consultant Sweco, planning specialist DP9 and structural steel firm Robert Bird.