The former London headquarters of Magic Circle law firm Linklaters, located opposite the Barbican Centre, is set to be demolished and replaced by a new 20-storey building. The City of London Corporation's Planning Applications Sub-Committee approved the One Silk Street redevelopment on May 28, 2026, despite receiving over 1,000 objections.
Revised Plans After Backlash
The original proposal, submitted by Lipton Rogers Developments and LaSalle Investment Management, included two 20-storey towers. Following public outcry, the design was scaled down to one 20-storey block and a second reduced to 16 storeys plus ground level, still three storeys taller than the existing 1980s building. The development also includes a new public square, retail spaces, and cultural venues, with 2,282 square metres of enhanced public realm.
Heritage and Resident Concerns
Critics, including the Barbican Quarter Action group, argued the building would harm the Grade II-listed Barbican Estate and negatively impact residents' daylight and sunlight. Robin Pembrooke, BQA coordinator, called the design "unnecessarily harmful" and warned of "irreparable damage" to residents' lives. Despite these concerns, the committee voted 16-11 in favour, prompting shouts of "shame" and "resign" from the public gallery.
Deputy Marianne Fredericks proposed deferring the decision due to data concerns in the officers' report, but the motion was rejected. Planning Chair Deputy Tom Sleigh stated the proposal complied with planning policy, emphasising the need for office space as the City's workforce is expected to rise from 675,000 to 900,000 by 2050.
Support for the Scheme
Supporters highlighted the benefits, including a 43% increase in office space and a new home for the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Professor Jonathan Vaughan noted the project would provide "21st century performing arts training." Sir Stuart Lipton, founding partner at Lipton Rogers, called the decision a reflection of the scheme's "exceptional commercial and cultural ambition."
Gary Moore of LaSalle Investments assured the committee of long-term ownership and praised the public realm upgrades, describing them as a "new front door for the Barbican."
Opposition Response
Jan-Marc Petroschka, chair of the Barbican Association, expressed disappointment, calling the outcome "very disappointing" and the information presented "misleading." He reiterated that the benefits could have been achieved with a smaller building, stating, "This is not defendable."
The decision has deepened tensions between developers and residents, with many feeling their input during consultation was ignored. The project is expected to proceed despite ongoing opposition.
