Replacing a neglected 1960s structure, Sixty London offers premium office space within a distinctive building at a busy intersection on London's east-west axis. The unique design safeguards the historic fabric of the site whilst developing a vibrant sense of place and stimulating wider regeneration in this important district.
The design is the result of the client's determination to reject the notion of a generic solution for a fully speculative development. Occupiers benefit from rooftop terraces with breathtaking 360° views of London, two main lobbies, and retail and leisure space at ground level.
The project was commenced speculatively in early 2011 when there was virtually no other commercial development being started in the City of London. In May 2013, the entire office space was pre-let to a single tenant, standing as one of the most significant lettings in the London office market and illustrative of the team?s ability to deliver bespoke solutions to meet real estate requirements of corporate occupiers.
It was imperative to the client that the scheme was of the highest quality to appeal to occupiers. The team was careful to address the brief, producing a clean, flexible and sustainable design with extremely high floor plate efficiency. The 2010 scheme significantly revised the 2007 version, increasing the net lettable area and maximising the value of the site. Features were altered or removed to increase useable space, without sacrificing the design qualities or the existing planning approval.
The site itself is heavily constrained, presenting numerous challenges relating to the historic fabric, existing infrastructure and London's strict planning regulations. Contextual sensitivity was crucial to the design, which was heavily influenced by the preservation of important sightlines to St Paul's Cathedral. Massing steps back and incorporates roof terraces thereby protecting the viewing corridor, whilst adding an extra story to the building design.