Defence Online

Eric Parry Architects’ proposals for a 73-storey office block that would be the tallest in the City of London have been recommended for approval by corporation planners.The 1 Undershaft scheme, drawn up for Singaporean developer Aroland Holdings, would occupy the site of the St Helen’s office block – originally named the Commercial Union building, next to Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners’ Leadenhall Building.While the vast majority of the new building’s 154,100sq m floorspace is earmarked for office use, the scheme also includes two floors designated as public viewing galleries, as well as 2,178sq m of retail space and 1,220sq m of restaurant space.Last month it emerged that Parry’s 1 Undershaft plans had been lowered by 5m to comply with airspace concerns flaggged by aviation authorities, giving the new building a height of 304.94m. The new height will make the tower just over 70m taller than the Leadenhall Building, and 10m taller than PLP’s tower at 22 Bishopsgate which got the green light from its backers last month.A report to members of the City of London’s Planning and Transportation Committee said objections to the Undershaft scheme had also included concerns over its impact on views of the Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral, the St Helen’s Place conservation area, and reduced daylight for nearby structures.City planners said one member of the public had also objected to the loss of the St Helen’s office block, which was designed by Gollins Melvin Ward Partnership and completed in 1969.Supporting the approval recommendation, the officers’ report said the Parry scheme’s impact on the setting of conservation areas, listed buildings, and strategic views had “been assessed and is considered acceptable”.