Why renewal is needed

The existing façade uses materials and detailing that are out of place beside the surrounding brick, stone and heritage buildings of Clerkenwell and the Charterhouse Square and Clerkenwell Green Conservation Areas.

We are proposing a new, high-quality façade for the building, which will incorporate materials, such as brick and stone, and architectural detailing that respond to and positively reflect Clerkenwell’s historic built environment. This would help the building make a stronger contribution to the local area.

At street level, the existing steps and ramp create uneven and awkward access into the building. This affects the experience for visitors, occupiers and people moving between St John’s Street and Cowcross Yards.

The office accommodation is also outdated and falls short of the standards now expected by modern occupiers, particularly in relation to sustainability, flexibility and environmental performance.

Additional office floorspace in the Bunhill and Clerkenwell area is required to support London’s strategic business role. The delivery of new office floorspace in this location is supported by planning policy at all levels and is a key objective in accommodating Islington’s projected employment growth of approximately 50,500 additional jobs.

The proposed site’s surrounding area has a well-established ecosystem of creative, technology, professional services and knowledge-based businesses that benefit from proximity to each other, supporting innovation, productivity and economic growth. Providing modern office accommodation will attract new occupiers, create jobs and strengthen Islington’s economic function.