SPR Site Visit: 40 Leadenhall, 17 May 2023

Twelve SPR members had the privilege to join the second visit by the Society to 40 Leadenhall, one of the latest towers to emerge on the City of London skyline. It was a particularly exciting – and rare – opportunity to enter such a project in its construction phase, which really brought home the complexity of developing this kind of building in the cramped streetscape of the City.

The visit began with a brief video featuring architects Make, which emphasised that this redevelopment of a substantial site between Leadenhall Street and Fenchurch Street will create a whole new neighbourhood, not only encompassing office space for 10,000 people but also retail and hospitality. The building will incorporate the existing Grade II listed former shipping exchange at 19 - 21 Billiter Street.

Aaron Pope of project developers M&G, who led the tour, then presented highlights of the scheme using architectural models and a CGI presentation. Due for final completion in March 2024, the building’s top floors are already prelet to US law firm Kirkland & Ellis. In one of the models, drawers were magically opened to show the 1000+ bicycle spaces and a vast array of changing facilities, all tying in with exemplary sustainability credentials as witnessed by the targeted BREEAM excellent and NABERS 5 star certifications.

Much of Pope’s presentation stressed the high level of amenity in the design, including a full-scale library, a courtyard with cafés and a Peleton-based gym, all for the exclusive use of the tenants. There will also be a ‘club’ style area for tenants on Level 11 with an extensive roof terrace, while Levels 13-14 will include a rooftop bar and restaurant open to the public.

Following the presentation, SPR members donned engineer boots and hard hats to go up for a view of one of the terraces still under construction. The bright spring weather made for some stunning vistas towards the Tower of London, the Shard and Canary Wharf, which will no doubt be enough to entice prospective tenants for the remaining few floors of the 900k sq ft building that are still unlet.

Tim Horsey