{"id":767694,"date":"2024-12-12T10:16:23","date_gmt":"2024-12-12T10:16:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.architectsjournal.co.uk\/?p=767694"},"modified":"2024-12-13T08:14:45","modified_gmt":"2024-12-13T08:14:45","slug":"gensler-wins-approval-to-overhaul-foster-partners-city-hall","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.architectsjournal.co.uk\/news\/gensler-wins-approval-to-overhaul-foster-partners-city-hall","title":{"rendered":"Gensler wins approval to overhaul Foster + Partners\u2019 City Hall"},"content":{"rendered":"

The South Bank landmark by Tower Bridge will be transformed into a mixed-use office and retail scheme \u2013 to be known as 110 The Queen\u2019s Walk \u2013 for its owner, Kuwaiti company St Martins Property.<\/p>\n

Its original glass fa\u00e7ade \u2013 described by Gensler as \u2018over-complicated\u2019 \u2013 will be demolished and replaced with \u2018verdant\u2019 terraces, while the ground floor will be opened up to public uses including caf\u00e9s, shops and restaurants.<\/p>\n

The plans also include straightening the 21-year-old building, which currently leans back away from the River Thames, extending its footprint by 14.2m southwards to create more office and retail space inside.<\/p>\n

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APPROVED: Gensler\u2019s plans for Foster + Partners\u2019 former City Hall<\/p>\n\t

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Southwark Council\u2019s planning committee approved Gensler\u2019s plans for the building on Tuesday evening (10 December).<\/p>\n

The purpose-built structure has lain empty since it was vacated by the Greater London Authority (GLA) and Mayor of London in December 2021, after more than 20 years, in favour of cheaper premises at the Royal Victoria Dock.<\/p>\n

Southwark planning officers had recommended the Gensler scheme for approval, concluding that while the design would \u2018alter and amend the character and appearance of a well-renowned building\u2019, it would also \u2018draw reference to the existing building\u2019, retaining some its most iconic features such as its curving north fa\u00e7ade.<\/p>\n

The officers said the proposal would modernise the building and its surroundings, improving its sustainability and energy efficiency in order to bring the 1.9ha site back into use.<\/p>\n

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An officers\u2019 report concluded that, left as it is, \u2018it would become problematic (potentially unlawful) to let [the building] to a new occupier from 2030\u2019.<\/p>\n

Gensler\u2019s aim is for the building to be net zero carbon and \u2018at least\u2019 BREEAM Excellent once renovated.<\/p>\n

St Martins Property concluded that a \u2018light\u2019 renovation of the building was not possible due to \u2018challenges built into its design\u2019, including defects and leaks in the building fabric, and floorplates that don\u2019t meet occupiers\u2019 changed standards.<\/p>\n

The developer had previously said<\/a> its proposed redesign would maximise the retention\u00a0of the existing building\u2019s structure, materials, and character, including its \u2018circular footprint and sculpted form\u2019.<\/p>\n

The interior of the south bank building has already been gutted ahead of its renovation, to the dismay of heritage campaigners.<\/p>\n

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Listing denied: A disappointing but unsurprising outcome for Fosters’ former City Hall \u2013 its most distinctive internal feature, the spiralling helical ramp, was recently stripped out.
\nA regrettable loss for the capital and an example of the great risk that younger buildings of\u2026 https:\/\/t.co\/xFaWEyTSLT<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/40XH6iFa6z<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 C20 Society (@C20Society) July 18, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n