New plans for the City’s tallest skyscraper have come under fire for creating an create “environment of surveillance” in the heart of the Square Mile.
Developer Stanhope was told that by objectors that revised proposals for its 74-storey 1 Undershaft scheme are still unacceptable despite lead architect Eric Parry making a series of design changes.
One neighbouring occupier – Britain’s biggest private pension fund, the £90 billion Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) – upheld its objection to what would be the joint tallest building in the UK alongside the Shard.
It is particularly strongly opposed to landscape designs showing a seven-metre-high digital screen in St Helen’s Square at the base of the skyscraper due to the increased security measures it will require to prevent vandalism and misuse.
In a letter sent to City planning authorities on behalf of USS, advisers Deloitte said: “The need for such robust security measures creates an environment of surveillance rather than one of openness and accessibility, ultimately detracting from the desired character of a welcoming and freely accessible public space.”
It added that the screen would “contradict the creation of a high quality public realm” which is being sought by City councillors in the revised submission.
“St Helen’s Square should offer respite and a visual contrast to the digital saturation of many workplaces,” USS said. “Introducing a large, dominant screen detracts from the potential for a calm and engaging public space where individuals can enjoy their surroundings.”
The proposed digital screen at the foot of the tower which has been added in a series of design changes submitted by Stanhope last month.
Amended proposals for the office tower are expected to be presented to the City’s planning committee next month, five months after a decision was deferred by councillors amid concerns over a loss of public realm on the site.
Another neighbouring occupier, The Wardens and Society of the Mistery or Art of the Leathersellers of the City of London, has said it has “major concerns” about the potential impact of the proposed tower on its daylight levels, according to the Building news website.
The Leathersellers’ Company owns 12 properties close to St Helen’s Square.
