60 Gracechurch Street will also deliver a range of public benefits. In addition to new, sheltered public realm at ground floor level including widened pavements improving pedestrian flows around the site, the building will provide a free-to-access, 7 day and evening destination, known as the ‘Sanctuary’ space at level 35.

The podium building will have a pink precast concrete facade

Also featured is a public roof garden that offers outstanding views, looking out westwards over London from the very edge of the City Cluster.

The garden and associated internal public space has been designed as an education tool and learning space, showcasing a changing ecosystem, as the City responds and reacts to climate change. The space will be available for free bookings by schools and community groups as one of London’s most exciting, publicly accessible classrooms.

James Sellar, CEO of Sellar, said: “We have a shared commitment with Obayashi to develop a distinctively designed new landmark office building within the City’s Eastern cluster.

“We also have a clear aim for 60 Gracechurch Street to be one of the Square Mile’s most sustainable and wellness focused workplaces and today’s decision marks an important step in taking us closer to achieving those goals.

“There is an acute shortage of office space across London that is able to meet the exacting requirements of the modern occupier and we firmly believe that being able to satisfy that demand is an important component in London’s ability to attract leading businesses and ensure it maintains its status as a world-class city.”

The City Corporation’s decision to approve the proposals comes as the latest Deloitte Crane survey revealed that new construction project starts fell across London, except for in the Square Mile, where new construction activity edged up by 7% as the City remains a favoured location to invest and develop.

Client team: Project manager: G&T; cost consultant: Turner & Townsend Alinea, structural and MEP engineer: Arup.