Skanska, Mace, Sir Robert McAlpine and Balfour Beatty are understood to have been in talks with developer Henderson Global Investments.

The investment fund has just secured permission for Charterhouse Place, which is to be built on the site of the now demolished 1960’s Caxton House tower on the corner of Farringdon Road and Charterhouse Street.

Islington Planning Committee unanimously approved plans for the revised scheme after a larger 11-storey plan was rejected.

Designed by Lifschutz Davidson Sandilands, the building will achieve a BREEAM rating of “Excellent”. Photo-voltaic cells will cover the whole roof area alongside atrium glazing and ancillary equipment and the building will benefit from an advanced combined cooling and heating plant.

The building features stone cladding at lower levels and a lightweight aluminium skin above.

Geoff Harris, director of property development at Henderson said: “We are delighted to have gained permission for this important site and look forward to driving the development forward.”