COLECHURCH HOUSE

A Case Study in Ambitious Urban Development

• Projects by Steve Riddell at previous employers

challenges

Colechurch House was offered to the market as a potential City of London joint venture. However, the City needed reassurance that prospective development partners possessed both the calibre and credentials to deliver an outstanding scheme while maximising land value. Although a reference scheme had been produced by the City and JLL, it became clear that something more ambitious was required to truly unlock the site’s potential.

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Creative Solutions

Leveraging his longstanding relationship with Foster + Partners, Steve orchestrated a collaboration to create a design that would stand out and meet the City’s high expectations. The team conceived an innovative zero-carbon, naturally ventilated office development a concept that was groundbreaking at the time. This ambitious proposal was coupled with a carefully crafted planning strategy that demonstrated how the development would deliver significant local benefits, thereby justifying an expansive massing approach.
Steve’s team worked closely with the City to showcase the vision for a forward-thinking, sustainable office building that would integrate seamlessly with the surrounding area, offering more than just a commercial development.

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Outcomes

The original reference scheme was limited to 249,000 sq ft NIA. However, the Foster + Partners scheme achieved planning consent for over 360,000 sq ft NIA an increase of more than 45%.
The reference scheme had a maximum height of 17 storeys, with most of the office floors lacking river views. In contrast, the Foster + Partners design elevated the entire building to create a public park at ground level, allowing for natural ventilation. This innovative approach not only improved the environmental sustainability of the development but also provided additional floors with stunning river views. The scheme received approval for a total of 22 storeys, including the six-storey ‘lift’ structure, effectively equating to a 28-storey building.

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