A proposed Square Mile office development which has been earmarked as the new headquarters of law firm Hogan Lovells was today given the green light by planners.
The City of London Corporation has voted to approve Royal London Asset Management’s plans to bulldoze three dated blocks at 14- 21 Holborn Viaduct, EC1, to be replaced by a part-10 storey, part-12 storey scheme.
The development, designed by PLP Architecture, will include 387,000 sq ft of offices tailored specifically for the law firm, which planning officials said had contributed to the design of the office.
Hogan Lovells is believed to be under offer on the space, having decided to move out of its current premises at Atlantic House nearby. However, EG understands that a deal has not yet been signed, and was partly dependent on the scheme being approved.
Alastair Moss, chair of the City Corporation’s planning committee, said: “Schemes which boost vibrancy and accessibility, such as this development on Holborn Viaduct, will continue to help in drawing people to the City for work and play when government guidance allows.
“With a business occupier already expressing interest in the development for its London headquarters, it is clear that the City office market is not only surviving – it is thriving.”
The scheme is targeting a BREEAM Outstanding rating, and developers hope to make improvements to the public realm around it.
Head of development at Royal London Asset Management, Philip Sutton, added: “The development will strengthen London’s reputation as a global business centre, providing quality commercial space that prioritises wellness and future ways of working, whilst also strengthening our market-leading sustainability standards.”
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