The City of London Corporation has approved plans for a striking new skyscraper development in the heart of London's financial district, adding another architectural landmark to the Square Mile's growing skyline. The ambitious project will feature twin towers rising 31 and 34 stories respectively, replacing the currently vacant Fountain House at 130 Fenchurch Street with what developers describe as a "jewel-like" glass-walled structure.
Designed by renowned architectural firm WilkinsonEyre, the new development will provide approximately 625,000 square feet of modern office space, positioning it as a major addition to London's commercial real estate market. The building will feature a distinctive "crown" design that sets it apart from neighboring skyscrapers, including the famous "Walkie Talkie," the Scalpel, and the Leadenhall "Cheese Grater" buildings that already define the area's distinctive skyline.
Tom Sleigh, chairman of the City of London Corporation's planning and transportation committee, praised the project's comprehensive approach to urban development. "This building will deliver on jobs, public space, and best-in-class offices," Sleigh stated, highlighting the development's commitment to balancing commercial interests with public amenities. The project represents a significant investment in the Square Mile's continued evolution as a global financial center.
Beyond office space, the development will include several public amenities designed to enhance the area's appeal to both workers and visitors. A publicly accessible cultural space will be integrated into the building's design, while new food and beverage establishments will activate the street level. The developers have also planned a new pedestrian route that will improve connectivity by linking Cullum Street to Fen Court, addressing longstanding circulation issues in the dense financial district.
One of the project's most notable features will be an external garden terrace located on the 17th floor, which will be open to the public and offer both green space and panoramic views of London. Additionally, a public rooftop gallery will occupy the 20th floor, providing cultural programming and spectacular vistas of the city. These public spaces represent a growing trend in London's commercial development toward creating buildings that serve broader community needs.
Ben Littman, head of development at Aviva Investors, one of the key developers behind the project, emphasized the development's multifaceted approach to urban renewal. "This is a bold and thoughtful scheme that will bring a long-vacant site back into positive use," Littman explained. "It reflects the best of what the City can offer: ambition, culture, sustainability and inclusivity." His comments underscore the project's alignment with contemporary urban planning principles that prioritize mixed-use development and community engagement.
The current Fountain House, which will be demolished to make way for the new towers, holds significant historical importance in London's post-war architectural landscape. Built between 1954 and 1958, it was among the first tall office buildings constructed in the City of London following the devastating World War II Blitz. The building was erected on a former bomb site and designed by architects W.H. Rogers and Sir Howard Robertson, drawing inspiration from New York's iconic Lever House.
Throughout its nearly seven-decade existence, Fountain House served as home to various insurance and finance firms, playing an integral role in the Square Mile's financial ecosystem. However, the building has remained vacant in recent years, representing an underutilized asset in one of the world's most valuable commercial real estate markets. The redevelopment project aims to transform this dormant site into a vibrant hub of activity.
The construction timeline calls for demolition of the existing Fountain House to begin next year, with the entire project scheduled for completion by 2030. This six-year development period will allow for the complex engineering and construction requirements of building twin high-rise towers in the densely packed financial district. The project represents part of a broader transformation of London's skyline, as the city continues to compete with other global financial centers for premier office space and architectural distinction.
