While we were sleeping, London was planning.
The city of London has granted the planning permission for two new skyscrapers at opposite ends of the historic skyscraper cluster.
Two approved developments at 63 St Mary’s Axe (45 storeys) and 85 Gracechurch Street (32 storeys) will add over 110,000m² of sustainable Grade A office space, supporting 6,500+ jobs and advancing the City of London’s Destination City strategy to boost business and visitor footfall.
Additionally, archaeological elements will be revealed publicly including parts of the ancient London Wall and a Roman Forum/Basilica, accessible for free to visitors.
With conferences and events moving away from the capital as of late, will these two new high-rise venues serve as a more attractive destination for conferences, meetings and events, increasing delegate numbers in the capital?
While neither development has formally announced plans for dedicated event space, the question remains: could their premium scale and positioning attract interest from the events world?
With expansive public realms, cultural integration, and high-end commercial appeal, both towers are being built with a vision that extends beyond the traditional office block opening the door to flexible, multi-use opportunities.
In a post-pandemic landscape where buildings are expected to serve multiple functions, this kind of design versatility could well appeal to conference organisers and corporate hospitality buyers alike.
These are, first and foremost, commercial office buildings not purpose-built venues. But as the lines between work, leisure, and experience continue to blur in modern urban design, it’s worth asking whether developments like these might begin to attract a new kind of event thinking particularly from organisers seeking prestige, connectivity, and a central London address.
Events bring revenue, people, and purpose. London’s growth should make room for all three.
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