Hong Kong Investor Unveils Plans for London’s Second ‘Cheesegrater’

Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM) have revealed images of a proposed 56-storey tower in the City of London for property investors London & Oriental.

The proposed London city skyscraper will rise 263 metres -- dwarfing its famous neighbour, London's Cheesegrater tower. It's facade will echo the slanting appearance of the Roger Stirk Harbour + Partners' designed Cheesegrater tower.

London & Oriental are acting on behalf of Hong Kong investor Lai Sun Development who acquired 100 Leadenhall Street in October 2015 for £107 million. The proposed tower will also sit across 107 Leadenhall Street, which was bought by the firm in 2014 for £60 million.

The 100 Leadenhall development will provide up to 110,000 square metres of A grade office and retail space, along with public plazas planned to front Leadenhall Street. The development will replace three buildings.

SOM's skyscraper will join the existing skyline commonly known as the Eastern Cluster -- the group of existing or soon-to-be redeveloped tall buildings in London’s Square Mile.

The new development is designed to be car-free, with just three accessible parking bays. Space for 1,200 bicycles has been planned.

“Our ambition has been to create a building which both respects the valuable historic and contemporary surroundings while contributing an exciting new landmark building for London," partner at London & Oriental Mark Cannell said.

"As well as offering a beautiful and striking piece of new architecture to the London skyline, the proposed building will provide new high-quality office space needed to maintain London’s standing as a global financial centre.”

London and Oriental hopes to submit a planning application for the skyscraper to the City of London Corporation in early 2018.