122 Leadenhall Street

122 Leadenhall Street forms part of the growing cluster of towers in the eastern quarter of the City. The 48-storey, 224.5m tall tower will contain more than 67,000sq.m net of high-quality office space on floorplates that diminish in depth as they ascend to the apex of the building, from where spectacular views are guaranteed. A remarkable feature of the project is the provision of a ninestorey covered public space, incorporating a through pedestrian route, at the base of the tower – a new meeting place with bars, restaurants and shops and the scope for music, exhibitions and other cultural events. British Land is also working on proposals for a landscaping scheme for St Helen's Square as part of the Section 106 agreement for the project.

The project won strong support from the City and there were few significant objections to the demolition of the (much altered) 1960s block that stood on the site, for which a Certificate of Immunity from listing was obtained. English Heritage, however, was much concerned about distant views of the building, especially those of St Paul's from Fleet Street to the west, leading to the tapering form of the tower sloping away from the landmark. DP9's involvement extended over more than four years, before planning permission was finally granted in April 2005. Demolition work began on site early in 2007 and British Land subsequently confirmed its intention to begin construction of the tower.