The South Bank landmark by Tower Bridge will be transformed into a mixed-use office and retail scheme to be known as 110 The Queens Walk for its owner, Kuwaiti company St Martins Property.Its original glass faade described by Gensler as over-complicated will be demolished and replaced with verdant terraces, while the ground floor will be opened up to public uses including cafs, shops and restaurants.The plans also include straightening the 21-year-old building, which currently leans back away from the River Thames, extending its footprint by 14.2m southwards to create more office and retail space inside.AdvertisementAPPROVED: Genslers plans for Foster + Partners former City HallSouthwark Councils planning committee approved Genslers plans for the building on Tuesday evening (10 December).The purpose-built structure has lain empty since it was vacated by the Greater London Authority (GLA) and Mayor of London in December 2021, after more than 20 years, in favour of cheaper premises at the Royal Victoria Dock.Southwark planning officers had recommended the Gensler scheme for approval, concluding that while the design would alter and amend the character and appearance of a well-renowned building, it would also draw reference to the existing building, retaining some its most iconic features such as its curving north faade.The officers said the proposal would modernise the building and its surroundings, improving its sustainability and energy efficiency in order to bring the 1.9ha site back into use. Source:ShutterstockAn officers report concluded that, left as it is, it would become problematic (potentially unlawful) to let [the building] to a new occupier from 2030.AdvertisementGenslers aim is for the building to be net zero carbon and at least BREEAM Excellent once renovated.St Martins Property concluded that a light renovation of the building was not possible due to challenges built into its design, including defects and leaks in the building fabric, and floorplates that dont meet occupiers changed standards.The developer had previously said its proposed redesign would maximise the retentionof the existing buildings structure, materials, and character, including its circular footprint and sculpted form.The interior of the south bank building has already been gutted ahead of its renovation, to the dismay of heritage campaigners.The Twentieth Century Society had previously made two failed listing bids for the building once in 2022 and then again earlier this year both refused by Historic England.The statutory government adviser concluded that the building did not rank among the very best examples of the work of Foster + Partners in this period, despite featuring a striking geometric design of clear technical sophistication.Genslers plans to straighten the building will extend its footprint in depth from 41.9m to 56.1m (+14.2m on the southern side), reducing internal pinch points and sloping surfaces, while its core remains in place. The changes will create 3,800m of additional floorspace, the vast majority of which will be for retail. Source:Gensler (taken from design and access statement)APPROVED: Genslers plans for Foster + Partners former City HallA sunken space next to the building, known as the Scoop and housing below-ground shops, will also be refurbished with a lift added, and the surrounding area freshly landscaped and a garage removed.In a design and access statement, Gensler said its proposal reimagines the form of the building, maintaining the recognisable elements while correcting the issues which harm the ability to find an occupier for it. The practice said its design would allow the building to be used to its full potential.Teasing an earlier version of the design in November 2023, the design team which also includes landscape architect LDA Design said it aimed to sensitively refurbish and revitalise the vacant Foster + Partners-designed building.Building owner St Martins Property said it was delighted with the planning approval.A spokesperson added: We look forward to transforming the vacant and outdated building into a forward-looking mixed-use destination with reimagined public realm for everyone to enjoy.