July 3rd 2024.
The 'Trellis', known as 1 Undershaft in official documents, has been proposed to be the tallest building in the City of London. This new skyscraper, which would stand at an impressive 309.6 meters, has been nicknamed the Trellis due to its unique stepped structure. If completed, it would have the highest occupied floor space in all of the UK. However, the project has encountered a roadblock as complaints have been raised about its potential impact on the surrounding public space.
At a recent meeting, planners rejected the proposals and asked the developers to reconsider their plans. This decision came after concerns were raised by neighbors and businesses, who believe that the building would negatively affect the public space. In particular, they pointed out that St. Helen's Square, a popular gathering spot for city workers during lunch breaks, would lose valuable floor space and be overshadowed by the towering structure. The overhanging 'duck bill' design of the building also raised concerns about blocking the sun and casting shadows on the ground below.
Some have suggested that a podium garden could be added to the building, but others argue that it is not a sufficient substitute for street-level public space. Residents expressed their disappointment in the plans, stating that the addition of a public viewing gallery at the top of the building would not make up for the loss of accessible and easily accessible outdoor space during work breaks. Architect Kim Wilkie, in his public comments on the plans, highlighted the importance of open spaces in the tightly packed urban area. He noted that St. Helen's Square is a hub of activity during summer months and creates a "human" atmosphere in the city.
Under the proposed plans, the two skyscrapers on either side of the Thames would be among the tallest in Western Europe, but this would come at the cost of eliminating the rare moment of open sky from street level. This has raised concerns among residents and professionals alike, who feel that this unique urban experience would be lost. In fact, one neighbor expressed their disappointment, stating that the new plans had removed the sunken garden and replaced it with a less appealing "podium" garden.
In addition to the impact on the public space, there are also concerns about the building's design and functionality. Some have raised questions about the need for people to queue and pass through security in order to access the public viewing gallery, rather than having a more accessible and spontaneous experience. A neighbor shared their thoughts in an email, stating that the revised plans reflect sheer greed and do not provide adequate outdoor space for residents and workers to enjoy.
Although a final decision has not been made, the proposed building would be situated on the site currently occupied by the Aviva Tower between the Gherkin and the Cheesegrater. The plans, designed by Eric Parry Architects for Aroland Holdings based in Singapore, will be reviewed by City of London planners once again. If approved, the skyscraper is slated to be completed around 2030.
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