Councillors are poised to approve a major redevelopment of London’s former City Hall, turning it into vibrant shops and eateries after years of vacancy.
London: Exciting changes are on the horizon for the old City Hall. Local councillors are gearing up to give the green light for a big makeover. The plan is to turn the empty building into a lively spot with shops, restaurants, and offices.
This iconic structure, designed by Lord Norman Foster, has been sitting unused for three years. After Mayor Sadiq Khan moved operations to save costs, it’s been waiting for a new purpose.
The private landlord, Kuwaiti-owned St Martins Property Investments, has some ambitious ideas. They want to strip away the glass exterior and add new balconies. Sounds pretty cool, right?
On the ground floor, there’ll be space for cafes and shops, while the upper floors will house offices. Planning officers at Southwark Council think this project will breathe new life into the area.
The final decision will be made at a planning committee meeting on December 10. Most groups consulted have been on board, though some have raised minor concerns.
Historic England did mention that the changes might slightly affect the view of Tower Bridge, but overall, the feedback has been positive.
This building was the Greater London Authority’s headquarters from 2002 until 2021. It even got some cheeky nicknames along the way, like ‘glass testicle’ from former mayor Ken Livingstone.
In 2020, it was costing the GLA over £11 million a year to maintain. Mayor Khan decided to move to a more cost-effective location, which he said would save £55 million over five years.
Now, with the GLA settled into its new home, it’s time for the old City Hall to shine again!