Amended plans for a major office block redevelopment near the Tower of London have been approved, despite the removal of a cultural centre and retail units. The changes aim to provide more office space to secure insurance giant Lockton as a tenant.
Original Approval and Amendments
The original application by PBBE Mark Lane, a joint venture between PineBridge Investments and Hobart Partners, was approved by the City of London Corporation in 2023. It proposed demolishing existing buildings to create an 11-storey Grade A office-led development known as The Mark, including shops and a Heritage and Cultural Centre.
Amendments approved last year included changes to block height. However, further amendments sought this year removed retail units and the cultural centre, replacing them with additional office space. A 'Tourist Touchdown' space and café will relocate to Mark Lane, a roof terrace access improved, and a new pub installed facing Seething Lane.
Resident Concerns
Paul Pavlou, director of the Pepys Street RTM Company representing about 90 nearby flats, expressed residents' feelings of betrayal. He questioned why public benefits like retail and heritage were no longer needed, arguing that the scheme could accommodate both a headquarters reception and public uses without being unviable.
Huw Griffith from Hobart Partners said feedback from potential occupiers indicated the original design wouldn't meet expectations, but Lockton required a larger ground floor presence. Common Councillor Aaron D'Souza noted Lockton might still consider 50 Fenchurch Street as an alternative.
Committee Decision
Cllr D'Souza objected, stating the proposal diminished public benefits that justified the original approval. Deputy Marianne Fredericks called the original plan 'a dream' and expressed confusion over changes. Common Councillor Tana Adkin KC highlighted the removal of over 1,000sqm of public benefit for office space.
Deputy Tom Sleigh, committee chair, acknowledged the scheme wasn't perfect but supported it, noting the area already has many shops. The amendment was approved with nine votes in favour and six against.
