More on this topicWhy is Lasdun’s towering homage to Mackintosh still under threat? The City of London gave the green light to the scheme last weekvia delegated powers to kick-start redevelopment of Milton Gate, a 1980s block designed by National Theatre architect and former Royal Gold Medal winner Lasdun. Backed by developer Brookfield Properties, the part-demolition scheme will provide about 27,800m² of office space at 60 Chiswell Street, near the Barbican, through a demolition and façade replacement strategy which retains 70 per cent of the substructure. Historic England, which granted the Lasdun building a certificate of immunity from listing in 2023, had earlier raised concerns about the latest proposals, which, it argued in January, would ‘cause harm to several listed buildings’ in the Chiswell Street Conservation Area.Advertisement However, City of London planning officers approved the scheme, which they said would be compatible with the existing context, ‘being read as a well-layered piece of design which celebrates moments in the public realm’. Catherine Croft, director of heritage campaign group The Twentieth Century Society, described the decision to approve the scheme as ‘hugely regrettable’ in comments to the AJ. Croft argued: ‘The consented scheme will totally destroy the architecturally and culturally significant elements of a fine building. The City will lose a major work by an outstanding architect and further erode its distinctive character, despite the building being well over the 30-year threshold for listing at Grade II.’ Croft continued: ‘Milton Gate is a clear example of a building that should have been saved by listing; C20 Society put it forward and engaged with the developer on several occasions, championing its architectural significance.’ ‘The proposed removal of the notable blue-glazed exterior form of 60 Chiswell Street would also remove all its architectural and historic interest, while the maximisation of the site through extensions would intrude upon and curtail open views from the south courtyard and along Chiswell Street,’ said the heritage body.Advertisement Brookfield said the scheme would appeal to ‘modern occupiers looking for large, efficient floorplates and outstanding environmental, social and governance credentials’, while reducing its environmental impact. The all-electric scheme is aiming for net zero in operation and aims to achieve EPC A, BREEAM Outstanding and NABERS 5* certificates. AHMM’s proposals include repositioning an entrance on the corner of Moor Lane and Ropemaker Street; a statement double-height reception; and a pocket park. The ground floor will also accommodate food and beverage uses. Simon Allford, founding director of Allford Hall Monaghan Morris, said the scheme was ‘the result of Brookfield Properties and AHMM’s shared ambition to create an innovative, low-carbon reinvention of an existing building’. He added: ‘The activated ground floor engages with the historic streetscape, whilst the generous office volumes above open onto, cascading balconies and verdant terraces, delivering a new green edge to the city’s historic skyline.’ A timeline for completion is unknown. #ahmm #gets #green #light #overhaul

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