Deka set to revamp Bank junction office block

The City of London Corporation has approved plans by Deka Immobilien to refurbish an eight-storey Square Mile office block. 1 Old Jewry was bought by Deka for £79.5m in 2008. The upper office floors are due to be vacant from this summer. Two of the shops in the block are empty with one occupied by travel centre Trailfinders. Deka plans to refurbish the block and add a pavilion structure at roof level to create a new, ninth floor. The refurb will increase the amount of office space in the building by 10% to almost 70,000 sq ft, with a new, larger reception and entrance. Planning documents filed by architect Sheppard Robson described the building, close to Bank junction, as comprising “office floorspace and retail units that are not reflective of modern requirements”. “The building is in need of refurbishment/improvement to provide first class office space and retail units that are reflective of the building’s position in the heart of the City of London,” the firm said. “The proposed vision for 1 Old Jewry is to create an inspiring and energizing workplace which promotes occupant’s and visitors’ wellbeing, productivity; promoting collaboration and innovation which allows people to thrive.” See City of London planning decisions >> Photo © EG