The news that US Insurance firm W R Berkley has submitted a set of plans for a new skyscraper in the City (nicknamed “The Scalpel” after the unique shape of the design) is sure to be greeted with enthusiasm. Plans have been drawn up by architect Kohn Pedersen Fox for a development at 52-54 Lime Street, EC3. The tower will reach 190 metres in height, and will have floor plates ranging from 9,000 to 22,000 sq ft. There will be a total of nearly 565,000 sq ft of commercial space, as well as 12,000 sq ft of retail and leisure space and a public square, which will provide access to the building along with an entrance on Leadenhall Street.
Berkley plans to finance the entire development itself and will occupy 25 per cent of the space. Work is to begin in 2013 with an expected completion date of 2017.
