Our proposals
Our proposals present an opportunity to reinvigorate a tired building at One St John’s Lane, improving its appearance, sustainability performance, accessibility and office accommodation, while ensuring it responds more positively to its historic context.
View of proposed new building from St John’s Street
Our plans would deliver:
A new, more efficient façade using high-quality materials, including brick and stone, with detailing that responds more positively to Clerkenwell’s historic built environment. This would help the building make a more positive contribution to the surrounding conservation areas, while creating a more attractive place for those who live, work, visit and pass through the area.
Improved quality of office accommodation and increased office floorspace, attracting greater investment and boosting local employment opportunities. This could also have a beneficial economic impact on surrounding businesses.
A rooftop terrace that would be a managed amenity space for office workers. Further details on management, hours of use, lighting, noise controls and any restrictions on events or licensing would be considered through the planning process to ensure the terrace is operated responsibly and does not harm neighbouring amenity.
Much-improved public realm and pedestrian connectivity, which would complement other improvements being made in the area by the London Borough of Islington. This would include matching the ground floor level to the surrounding street level, improving the building’s accessibility.
A new level entrance at the rear of the building, animating Cowcross Yards and elevating public safety and enjoyment of this space.
Tree, shrub and flower planting, as well as the creation of new habitats for local wildlife, significantly boosting biodiversity.
Multiple environmental and sustainability measures, including solar panels, reusing the existing building’s core and basement, implementing green roofs and rainwater harvesting, and encouraging sustainable travel through the provision of bicycle parking and on-site showers.
Creating a more active and welcoming ground floor, with improved lighting, clearer views and better overlooking of the surrounding streets. This would help make the area feel more comfortable, attractive and well-used throughout the day.
Public exhibition
On Wednesday 24 June 2026, we held a public exhibition of our plans for the office building at One St John’s Lane. If you came to the event, viewed the proposals and spoke to the project team, thank you – we really appreciate it.
You can now view the information boards we displayed at the exhibition below.
Business webinar
On Wednesday 12 August 2026, we held a webinar for members of the local business community, giving them another chance to learn about our plans for the office building at One St John’s Lane and ask questions. If you came to the webinar, thank you - we really appreciate your time.
If you would like the watch the business webinar, please click play below.
Wider community webinar
On Wednesday 9 September 2026, we held a webinar for members of the wider local community, providing another chance to learn about our plans for the office building at One St John’s Lane and ask questions. If you came to the webinar, thank you - we really appreciate your time.
If you would like the watch the wider community webinar, please click play below.