The architect of the Heron Tower in London´s City area, Kohn Pedersen Fox, has been picked by German open-end fund manager, DIFA, for its Bishopsgate tower scheme.
It has also been revealed that Tishman Speyer is no longer working with DIFA as Development Partner on the project.
The troubled history of the site began earlier this year when pre-application discussions over previous architect Helmut Jahnââ¬â¢s 710 ft plans faced stiff opposition from English Heritage, particularly due to the impact it would have on the view of St Paul´s Cathedral from Fleet Street.
Consequently, DIFA decided to select KPF from a shortlist that also included Foster & Partners, Rab Bennetts and Wilkinson Eyre.
However, KPF has only been granted the status of preferred architect. DIFA commented that it 'has yet to make a final decision on both the appointment of an architect and its plans for the Bishopsgate portfolio generally'.
The plans are for a site at 6-8 and 22-24 Bishopsgate. In June, the fund consolidated its holdings by acquiring Kumagai Gumi´s Crosby Court for ã67m.
