The City of London Corporation has appointed a head of design to ensure the quality of future developments within the Square Mile. Gwyn Richards will report to the new chief planning officer Annie Hampson who recently replaced the outgoing Peter Rees, the man credited with shaping today’s City skyline, Building Design reports today.
Richards, who has previously held urban design positions with Westminster and Kensington & Chelsea Councils, has been with the corporation for seven years in the role of principal planning officer.
He promises that he will continue to uphold the standard of design in the City and seek to enhance the understanding as to how it will evolve in the future.
“I look forward to forging a clear vision for the City’s tall building cluster and in realising an inclusive City for all,” he says.
Meanwhile British Land has expressed its pride in the Leadenhall Building which is now over 50% let. Head of Offices, Tim Roberts, says the 610,000 sq ft tower, developed with joint venture partner Oxford Properties, has set a new benchmark in the quality of City office design.
“It is buildings like this which attract us all into property, and which can and should be used by the industry as it seeks to expand and broaden its recruitment base,” he said.
Roberts isn’t “angry or embarrassed” that the Leadenhall Building has become popularly known as the Cheesegrater, as he believes this demonstrates the affection people have for the skyscraper.
A key factor in its growing popularity is the public space at the foot of the building, Roberts says. As opposed to the 1980s and 1990s, today’s occupiers want to have a greater engagement with the space around their offices.
“The last thing they want is to sit in splendid isolation. Diversity in who uses the public spaces that surround offices adds to the richness of the environment and helps to create atmosphere and a sense of place,” he argues.
The Leadenhall Building will be opening its doors to the public on September 20-21 as the centrepiece of the annual Open House weekend, during which visitors get the chance to explore some of London’s best known buildings.
In a statement British Land and Oxford Properties said; “We are immensely proud of the Leadenhall Building, which is why having unveiled the building to the real estate industry, we are throwing it open to members of the public for the first time at this year’s Open House.”
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