38-Storey Square Mile Development Approved

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25 February 2021

The City of London Corporation has approved a new 38-storey development at 2 Finsbury Avenue, making it the third tall building to receive planning permission in the Square Mile in 2021.

The newly approved office-led development, by British Land and GIC, aims to become an innovative, inclusive and sustainable place to work, visit and learn. The project is part of the larger Broadgate complex, the largest pedestrianised neighbourhood in Central London.

Designed by Danish firm 3XN, offices have been designed with behavioural scientists from GXN and are interspersed with green areas and terraces.

The building will target net-zero carbon in construction and operation as well as a BREEAM “Outstanding” certification. The design has also been assessed by the City of London’s Thermal Comfort Index.

It is hoped that the complex will attract a range of occupiers - from incubators and start-ups to medium-sized businesses. 

Picture: an artist's impression of the Finsbury Avenue complex. Image Credit: 3XN

Pedestrian Routes and Focus on Cyclists

The scheme will widen pavements and create a new north to south pedestrian route connecting Finsbury Avenue Square to Sun Street, adding a new public realm with vibrant retail frontages.

The development exceeds policy standards on both long and short-stay cycle parking spaces, providing a combined total of more than 1,500 new cycle spaces. A prominent cycle entrance and integrated cycle workshop promotes healthy modes of transport, in line with the City Corporation’s Transport Strategy.

Chair of the Planning and Transportation Committee at the City of London Corporation, Alastair Moss, said:

“The high-quality design for 2 Finsbury Avenue is yet another step in the radical transformation of Broadgate as a thriving and vibrant destination in the City. It will re-enliven the Liverpool Street area through better pedestrian connectivity, improved urban greening and the enhancement and activation of the public realm.

“The developers have ensured sustainability remains at the core of the scheme and have embraced emerging trends for the post-pandemic world, including flexible and adaptable office space to address new ways of working.

Head of Development at British Land, Nigel Webb, added:

“2 Finsbury Avenue is well placed to meet the current and future needs of occupiers and visitors. Designed by award-winning architects 3XN, the building incorporates ambitious sustainability initiatives, seeks to enhance health and wellbeing through access to green spaces and outdoor terraces, and benefits from being part of the Broadgate campus with its excellent connectivity, green open spaces and exciting range of amenities.”

83,000 Sqm of Office Floorspace

British Land is investing £1.5 billion over 10 years to transform Broadgate into a world-class, mixed-use destination for London. 

The development at 2 Finsbury Avenue offers more than 83,000 sqm of office floorspace, more than 700sqm of retail space and more than 2,100 sqm of learning space.

Picture: an artist's impression of the Finsbury Avenue complex. Image Credit: 3XN

Article written by Ella Tansley | Published 25 February 2021

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