High rises grow up – and out

The development of London takes place in waves. At any one time there will be sites being demolished, some in pre-planning stages, and others in the midst of planning red tape, or – as evidenced by the cranes – in the construction phase. It is those in the pre-planning stage that give clues as to where the London skyline is heading next. When the space runs out elsewhere, the developers are on the look-out for potential new sites. The strategy of building up, of getting more buck for your square foot, has been well used in the capital so far, and looks set to continue. 

A number of high-rises are planned in Shoreditch, arguably making the tag ‘fringe’ less appropriate. The site at 201–207 Shoreditch High Street has been earmarked as a development opportunity, which would comprise a number of buildings up to 30 storeys/110 metres high. Highgate Holdings is to submit planning permission for a 300,000 square-foot mixed-use development, including a 200-room luxury hotel, with an estimated completion date of 2018. 

One Crown Place is the location of an ambitious sharp-angled two-tower scheme, designed by KPF and reaching 123 metres. It would comprise space for office, retail and hotel, replacing the current low-rise buildings on Earl Street, Crown Place and Sun Street. 

A higher tower, of potentially 160 metres, is proposed at the site of the current Bavaria House at 12–14 Appold Street, with hotel and office space incorporated. 

The spread of the buildings outside the current cluster of high rises shows that this wave of development is also the subject of a definite ripple effect. 

This news was brought to you by Morgan Pryce, a specialist tenant acquisition agent with offices in Oxford Circus and the City. Morgan Pryce specialises in search, negotiation and project management and works exclusively for tenants.