The City of London is about to get a new icon, and it's a towering one at that. The recently unveiled plans for One London, a 309.6m skyscraper, are set to make it the tallest building in Western Europe upon completion in 2033. This ambitious project, led by Aroland Holdings and Perennial Holdings, with Stanhope and Eric Parry Architects, promises to redefine the skyline and the very essence of urban development in the financial district.
A Towering Legacy
One London is more than just a tall building; it's a symbol of London's global status as a business hub. Pua Seck Guan, CEO of Perennial Holdings, emphasizes the project's significance, stating, 'One London symbolises our commitment to delivering buildings of international significance that will leave a lasting legacy.' This sentiment is echoed by David Camp, CEO of Stanhope, who adds, 'One London will be a striking addition to the capital’s skyline and serve as a symbol of its enduring global pre-eminence.'
The tower's design is a testament to its ambition. Eric Parry CBE, founder of Eric Parry Architects, describes it as 'a pioneering model for a tall building: commercial in its purpose, generous in its spirit.' The building's summit, according to Parry, will be a civic space, offering a public viewing gallery, classrooms for the London Museum, and amenity floors with external terraces, ensuring it serves the community and not just corporate interests.
A City in Transition
The project's location at the junction of Leadenhall Street and St Mary Axe is strategic. It sits at the heart of the City of London, an area that has evolved over 2,000 years, adding layers of history and architecture. The deconstruction of the existing St Helen's Tower is already underway, marking the beginning of a significant transformation.
A New Standard for Office Space
One London will provide 1.2m sq ft of office-led space, a much-needed addition to London's commercial landscape. With London office take-up at its strongest level since 2019 and a vacancy rate of just 0.3%, the demand for such a project is clear. The developers argue that it will help businesses attract talent and foster collaboration, a much-needed evolution in the traditional office space.
A Sustainable and Wellbeing Focus
The project also prioritizes sustainability and wellbeing. The design includes a white body that acts as a protective carapace, moderating solar gain and contributing to the building's super-efficient, sustainable energy design. This focus on sustainability and community integration is a refreshing approach in a city that often prioritizes corporate interests.
The Future of Urban Development
One London is not just a building; it's a vision for the future of urban development. It challenges the notion of the traditional office space and offers a unique destination that prioritizes the well-being of its occupants and the community. As Seck Guan notes, 'We are proud to be delivering this transformative and era-defining project that will serve as a beacon for the future of urban development.'
The appointment of Newmark as the leasing adviser further solidifies the project's potential to become a landmark development. With construction set to begin in 2028, One London is poised to become a defining feature of London's skyline and a testament to the city's ability to innovate and lead in the global business arena.
