The Planning and Transportation Committee supported Brockton Everlast's scheme, designed by architects AHMM, which offers more than 56,500 sqm of office space as well as flexible retail/café space, community space, basement cycle parking and new public realm.
The office areas are flexible and adaptable, specifically designed to meet new ways of working and to meet the demands of different types of business occupiers including incubators, start-ups and SMEs. Incubator space will be provided on floors one and two, including 23 desk spaces which will be let at 50% of market rate. One retail unit will be available at 60% of market rate.
The development has a strong focus on sustainability with the proposals aiming to reduce operational carbon emissions by 44% (when compared to a Building Regulations compliant building) and reducing whole life carbon emissions.
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It also includes thermal stores to retain heat for use during colder months with a heat exchange scheme to share the excess waste heat, which cannot be stored, with the neighbouring Middlesex Street Estate.
The development also includes ambitious urban greening including green walls and various landscaped terraces and balconies for office occupiers. Pavements around the site will be widened and there will be extensive landscaping and greening to the new public realm, enhancing the vibrancy of Petticoat Lane Market and improving connectivity to the Eastern Cluster with areas to the north and east.
A flexible community space offering, with rooms for social spaces and learning programmes with a focus on gardening and urban greening, will be free to access for community groups, charities and schools.
The scheme also promotes sustainable travel and incorporates facilities for cyclists with 948 long stay and 33 short stay cycle parking spaces as well as facilities such as showers, lockers and for bicycle repairs.
Chair of the City Corporation's Planning and Transportation Committee, Alastair Moss, said: "115-123 Houndsditch is the seventh office-led tall building scheme to secure planning permission in the Square Mile this calendar year.
"This is not only an unprecedented number of major developments to come for decision, but it also clearly illustrates the enduring strength of the office market in the City of London and unwavering confidence from developers.
"With ambitious sustainability credentials, a focus on occupier well-being and offering in-demand flexible office floorspace for all variety of business, this development on Houndsditch will be an exemplar of the future of the Square Mile."
