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Walbrook Square London

Stanhope Development in the City, England design by Foster Nouvel, architects

8 Oct 2010

Walbrook Square Development

New European Headquarters for Bloomberg L.P.

This project, nicknamed Darth Vader’s Helmet, appears to have re-emrged with the joint partnership relegated and Foster + Partners now the sole architect. Tenant due to be Bloomberg. Other major architects with new buildings in the City of London include Nouvel (One New Change) and Koolhaas (Rothschilds HQ), both nearing completion.

’The Cloud’ – Walbrook Square

Location: City of London, UK
Date: 2006-
Atelier Foster Nouvel : Foster + Partners / Jean Nouvel Architects

Development for Legal & General (site freeholder)

4 Aug 2009

Walbrook Square – News Update

Project to be abandoned:

image courtesy of Stanhope PLC

Spanish property company Metrovacesa leaves this major project by two of the world’s most celebrated architects. The development was much delayed following legal battles between developer and site owner.

Masterplan
This major mixed-use scheme regenerates an important 3.5 acre site in the heart of the City close to the Bank of England. Reflecting the successful long-term strategy of the Broadgate model, Walbrook Square is directed at a mixed community of users. As well as high specification office space for financially based city tenants, the scheme creates a new and eclectic retail offer for the area.

images from developer

Four office buildings will be developed around a central square and pedestrian streets, with shops and cafés creating lively edge spaces. The Walbrook Square masterplan re-opens a network of old City routes and adds new ones to ensure the scheme’s permeability and engagement with its surroundings.

Walbrook Square London images / information from Stanhope PLC 041207

Sustainability
Renewable energy technologies will include photovoltaics and ground water cooling, and rainwater harvesting will also be employed. The project will incorporate a new entrance to the Waterloo and City Line. One of the project’s great opportunities is the recreation of the Roman Temple of Mithras, built on this site c., 240. Its remains were uncovered in 1954 and rebuilt some way to the west. The development allows the temple to be returned and reunited with the remains of the original fabric. It will be reconstructed at Roman ground level (some 6m below street level) with lift and stair access from the new square.

Co-designers (previously): Jean Nouvel Architects

The approximate construction budget: £300m

Nickname: Darth Vader’s Helmet

Walbrook Square, London – Building Information

Partners: Legal & General Assurance Society & Metrovacesa
Development Manager: Stanhope
Type: Mixed-use development – offices, retail and public spaces
Architect: Atelier Foster Nouvel
Planing consultant: DP9
Structural Engineer: Adams Kara Taylor
Services Engineer: Norman Disney Young
Cost consultants: Davis Langdon; Mott Green Wall (M&E)
Archaeological advisers: MOLAS
Pre-Construction Manager: Bovis Lend Lease
NIA: 945,000 sq ft
Site area: 3.5 acres
Programme: Demolition start Nov 2007; below ground works complete Dec 2009; Phase 1 complete 2011; Phase 2 complete 2012

Walbrook Square design : Foster + Partners

Location: City of London, England, UK