Colechurch House redevelopment approved

CIT has been given approval for its Foster + Partners-designed redevelopment of Colechurch House in London Bridge, SE1. The 518,000 sq ft scheme will replace the existing 1960s office block with 22 storeys of offices, outdoor terraces, public park and a new home for the Southwark Playhouse theatre. CIT hopes the large floor plates – around 20,000 sq ft on typical floors – will help create a sustainable and wellbeing-driven space. The layout of the development will open up historic views of Southwark Cathedral and local heritage buildings for the first time, while a new lightweight footbridge will connect London Bridge Station to the site on Duke Street Hill, replacing the current brutalist bridge and London Bridge Walk. The scheme will target net zero carbon and aims to exceed existing standards. An optimised façade will significantly reduce energy consumption, supported by mixed-mode ventilation, ground source energy piles, and green energy generated onsite by enough photovoltaic panels to power 100 homes. It also promises carbon dioxide savings of 55% relative to standard UK building stock and 75% savings in operational energy. It will target a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating and Platinum WELL standard rating. Steve Riddell, partner and head of development at CIT, said: “Modern occupiers demand the best in ESG credentials, and our new Colechurch House development is set to be a genre-defining building that will lead the way for sustainable office space, placemaking and community value in the heart of London Bridge – one of the capital’s best connected locations that has evolved dramatically over the past decade. “Designed collaboratively and prioritising social and environmental wellbeing, the net zero development will also provide far reaching benefits for Southwark through the new theatre space, public park and significant employment creation. Following extensive community consultation, the addition of the new lightweight footbridge to our plans will create vastly improved commuter access.” Luke Fox, head of studio at Foster + Partners, said: “As architects, we have a responsibility to leverage the power of design to positively influence public life and steer urban development towards a more sustainable, diverse and equitable future. Colechurch House is an exemplar project in this regard, and we look forward to working with CIT to make this pioneering project a reality.” The new multi-storey venue for the theatre will be built below the park, bringing the award-winning Southwark Playhouse back to its roots in London Bridge. Tim Wood, chair of Southwark Playhouse, said: “This is a hugely positive result, which will bring us back to London Bridge with a brand new, purpose-built venue that provides us with much needed capacity, critical to ensuring the future of our organisation. We look forward to inspiring and showcasing the next generation of storytellers, theatre-makers and performers, as part of an industry-defining sustainable development that will bring a range of benefits to the local area.” The project reinforces CIT’s longstanding commitment to the area. Earlier this year it received permission to develop a new medical and life sciences scheme on the Vinegar Yard site, a short walk away from Colechurch House. That scheme has been designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox in collaboration with Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and King’s College London, and will be one of the first buildings within SC1, London’s new life science district. To send feedback, e-mail piers.wehner@eg.co.uk or tweet @PiersWehner or @EGPropertyNews Image courtesy of Foster + Partners/CIT