London developer Co-Re has been given the green light for a major redevelopment on Fleet Street which will include the reopening of the historic Daily Express newspaper building.
Co-Re hopes to renovate the Grade II* listed art deco site and redevelop the adjoining River Court, a 1990s block which was home to Goldman Sachs until the bank relocated in 2019.
In its place will be a 21-storey block containing 540,000 sq ft of offices and 18,000 sq ft of retail space. The new building will feature a stepped design with more than 32,000 sq ft of external terraces, designed by architect Bjarke Ingels Group.
The new scheme will involve separating the Daily Express building and the River Court redevelopment, with a publicly accessible arcade running between them.
The developer hopes that the space will bring new retailers to Fleet Street, improve the area’s public realm and open up views of the nearby St Bride’s Church.
The renovated newspaper site will host exhibition areas and other space which celebrates its Fleet Street past.
Alastair Moss, chair of the City of London Corporation’s planning committee, said: “This development is yet another example of how the City can balance the constant demand for new office space while maintaining due respect for the Square Mile’s unique history.
“Fleet Street is renowned as the former home of London’s newspaper industry, and this development takes care to rejuvenate the old Daily Express building to the next chapter of its rich history. Importantly, it will also allow for a new, high-quality office to be constructed in this key strategic part of the City.”
David Hutton, director at Co-Re, added: “This is great news for central London’s office market generally, and more specifically for occupiers looking for the best space for their employees in terms of sustainability, active travel and health and wellbeing.
“120 Fleet Street has a flexible design that allows for various uses by a diverse mix of potential tenants. Terraces are a signature of Co-Re developments, and 120 Fleet Street’s outside space will have unrivalled views across central London.”
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