AXA IM Alts has submitted a planning application for a new biodiverse office building at 63 St Mary Axe. The proposed development will comprise approximately c. 58,993m2 of space across 46 storeys located at the edge of the City of London’s Eastern Cluster. The plans include an extensive new park, a multi-function ground-level auditorium and other public amenities.
AXA IM Alts has achieved 100% occupancy at 22 Bishopsgate, the tallest building in the City of London. This reflects their ongoing commitment to London as a global business hub. At 176m high, 63 St. Mary Axe is their fifth major office development in the Square Mile since 2012. Among these is the 60,387m² Fifty Fenchurch Street development, currently under construction and poised to be one of the UK’s most sustainable high-rise offices.
Designed by Fletcher Priest Architects, the new building features gardens and fresh air access on every floor, with over 100 trees to enhance biodiversity. These canopies will provide natural shading and create appealing views.
To ensure the building aligns with its social and economic context, AXA IM Alts engaged over 350 local community groups and stakeholders in the past 18 months. These discussions informed the design of public spaces, leading to the creation of Camomile Park, which will feature a revealed section of London's ancient Roman Wall and provide a green oasis with mature trees and shrubs.
The project will also include a multi-function auditorium for grassroots cultural events and dedicated rehearsal spaces, benefiting local communities and building occupants. Additionally, food and beverage outlets will support partnerships with social organizations to help disadvantaged adults gain employment in the food and hospitality sectors.
In line with AXA IM Alts’ sustainable development commitments, 63 St. Mary Axe will be a fossil fuel-free, all-electric building, targeting BREEAM Outstanding, NABERS 5 Star and net-zero carbon in operation.
63 St. Mary Axe is located in close proximity to numerous city-wide and national connections including Liverpool Street Station, which is the UK’s busiest rail terminal and comprises National Rail, Elizabeth Line and four London Underground lines, just 250 metres to the west as well as Aldgate, Aldgate East and Bank stations all just a short walk from the site.
Rob Samuel, UK Head of Development at AXA IM Alts, commented: “Our plans for 63 St. Mary Axe reflect AXA IM Alts’ close collaboration with local community stakeholders and our extensive track record of delivering forward-thinking, flagship office developments in London. Designed as a low-carbon building for future generations, 63 St Mary Axe will help to address the significant shortage of high-quality, modern, sustainable and amenity-rich workspaces, not just in the City but across central London as a whole.
In formulating our plans for the site, it was important for us to work closely with local communities, business occupiers, start-ups and other public and private sector bodies, to ensure that 63 St. Mary Axe bridges the gap between local people, City workers and tourists. It is intended to be an inclusive building which delivers the type of innovative and forward thinking workspace that helps the City of London continue to attract global occupiers. We have combined this with significant new green public spaces that align with the City of London Corporation’s ambition to keep the Square Mile more open and alive in and outside of traditional working hours, while also celebrating the City’s important Roman and medieval heritage.”
Image Source - AXA IM Alts.
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