London: Viñoly’s Walkie Talkie tower approved

'Walkie Talkie' gets go ahead
By Ben Bland, Online City Reporter
10/07/2007

Land Securities has finally received approval from Communities Secretary Hazel Blears to build the 155m 'Walkie Talkie' skyscraper in the City of London after a protracted battle with architectural campaigners.

The building was originally approved by City planning authorities last September but Ruth Kelly, Ms Blears' predecessor, took the unusual step of "calling in" the planning application for a public inquiry after UNESCO's World Heritage Committee threatened to add the Tower of London to its list of endangered sites.

UNESCO and other campaigners such as English Heritage argued that the construction of the 'Walkie Talkie' and other skyscrapers was damaging London's historic skyline and threatening views of the Tower of London in particular.

But Mike Hussey, managing director of Land Securities' London portfolio, today welcomed the government's decision to allow the project to go ahead.

"We are delighted that the Secretary of State has approved 20 Fenchurch Street," he said. "The design by Rafael Vinoly, one of the world's most innovative and acclaimed architects, is exceptional."

Despite recent concerns that the commercial property market may have passed the peak of the current cycle, Mr Hussey said he was anticipating "strong interest from occupiers".

A spokesman for Land Securities commented: "There's always demand for quality buildings like this wherever we are in the cycle."

In February, English Heritage claimed that the 'Walkie Talkie', which will be built at 20 Fenchurch Street, about 500m away from the Tower, was an "oppressive and overwhelming form that would have an uncomfortable relationship with the surrounding historic streets, buildings and spaces".

In a statement released today, English Heritage said: "We are surprised that we were not able to persuade the Secretary of State that the proposal would cause sufficient harm to outweigh the perceived design benefits, in particular, in the view from Waterloo Bridge."

The organisation added: "We believe that it is essential that the potential impact of tall buildings on the historic environment is always given very careful consideration when decisions are being made."

The 36-storey building will incorporate premium offices, shops, cafes and a publicly-accessible "Sky Garden" that will offer 360 degree views across London.

Demolition work on the 25-storey office block that currently stands on 20 Fenchurch Street will start in early 2008, with construction starting toward the end of that year.

The project, which will cost around £300m, is scheduled to be completed by 2011.