UK real estate giant Land Securities has received planning approval from the secretary of state Hazel Blears for its 155-metre tower and adjoining buildings at 20 Fenchurch Street in the City of London. This 39-storey building, christened 'Walkie Talkie' because of its concave shape, entered the spotlight last March when it became the subject of a three-week public inquiry.
UK real estate giant Land Securities has received planning approval from the secretary of state Hazel Blears for its 155-metre tower and adjoining buildings at 20 Fenchurch Street in the City of London. This 39-storey building, christened 'Walkie Talkie' because of its concave shape, entered the spotlight last March when it became the subject of a three-week public inquiry.
After protests from English Heritage, the government's adviser on the historic environment, the former secretary of state Ruth Kelly decided six months ago to call in the planning application of the Rafael Vinoly-designed tower. English Heritage expressed fears that the Walkie Talkie, to be built outside the Corporation of London's designated tall building cluster, centred on Bishopsgate and Leadenhall St, could set a precedent for other high-rise projects as well as harm views of the historic skyline of London.
The skyscraper will incorporate about 56,000 m2 of premier office accommodation, retail, a café and a publicly accessible Sky Garden. Land Securities said the Sky Garden will be the highest public park in London to offer visitors an outside roof terrace, botanical gardens, restaurant and a 360-degree panorama of London.
