Batman-inspired skyscraper set for approval at 40 Leadenhall

Plans for a giant office scheme near Leadenhall Market was recommended for approval by City planners today.

 

The site at 40 Leadenhall Street – also known as the Leadenhall Triangle – is owned by Henderson Global Investors, the fund managers behind the controversial Smithfield Quarter scheme, which is being reviewed at a public inquiry this week.

 

The complex was inspired by the neo-gothic architecture of Chicago and New York – the same style which was the basis for Batman's Gotham City in the films of Tim Burton and Christopher Nolan.

 

Henderson bought the Triangle site, a cluster of five buildings, out of administration on behalf of clients in May 2011 for around £190m. 

 

In September the group unveiled designs by architects Make for a 910,000 square feet stepped development that will vary in height between seven and 34 office storeys, reaching 558 ft at its highest point.

 

 

All the buildings on the site will be demolished except for a grade II-listed building at 19-21 Billiter Street, which Henderson has pledged to restore and integrate into the scheme.

 

City of London's chief planning officer Peter Rees gave the scheme a nod of approval ahead of a planning committee meeting next week, despite some objections from the Victorian Society, the Council for British Archeology and local residents.

 

“The proposal is in substantial compliance with the development plan policies that elate to it and in particular it supports the objective of promoting the City as the leading international financial and business centre,” Rees said in the planning documents filed today.

 

The project, which will have some shops on the ground floor,  is expected to cost around £391m to develop.