New 32-storey office tower could be built next to Walkie Talkie

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A 32-storey office tower could be built beside the Walkie Talkie in the City of London.

Twenty-five floors of glass-walled offices would sit above a six-storey podium with a public open-air garden.

Named 55 Gracechurch Street, the development would also face Eastcheap and Fenchurch Street.

The current set of buildings is home to The Ship, a Nicholson’s pub that has been closed since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic.

Developer Mighty Oasis Ltd says the new offices will cater for “high-growth early stage companies as well as traditional City occupiers”.

The tower would provide 34,004 square metres of office space, equal to nearly five football pitches.

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The company is owned by Hong Kong-based Tenacity Group.

It is widely believed that City firms will continue allowing large numbers of staff to work from home during, and after the pandemic.

But in its plans, Tenacity Group said: “Social considerations will be more important than ever post-Covid-19 as we move towards recovery… Tenacity realises that now more than ever people want and need safe places and spaces that they can enjoy.”

It adds: “55 Gracechurch Street will allow us to fundamentally improve the public realm and permeability of the City along Gracechurch Street and surrounding streets.”

The tower’s underground floors will have cycle parking with bike repair stations and electric bike charging points.

The planning application was received by the City of London Corporation on 24 August.

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