City approves major office-led redevelopment at 1 Silk Street

The City of London Corporation has approved plans for the redevelopment of 1 Silk Street, paving the way for a major office-led scheme next to the Barbican Centre.

The approved proposals will replace the existing 1980s office building with a mixed-use development comprising part 16-storey and part 20-storey elements, delivering approximately 86,000 sq m of Grade A office accommodation alongside new cultural, retail and community space.

A key feature of the scheme is the creation of a new public plaza opposite the Barbican Centre entrance, together with improved pedestrian routes through the site designed to strengthen connections between Moorgate, Liverpool Street and the Barbican.

The project forms part of the City of London Corporation’s wider Destination City strategy, which aims to support economic growth while enhancing the Square Mile’s appeal as a place to work, visit and spend leisure time throughout the week.

According to the City Corporation, the development will help meet demand for modern, high-quality office space in a highly connected central London location, while supporting the continued competitiveness of the City as a global business centre.

Alongside the commercial space, the inclusion of cultural, retail and community uses is intended to increase activity beyond traditional office hours and contribute to a more diverse and vibrant city centre environment.

The approved scheme underwent an extensive consultation process, with changes made to the design, scale and public realm proposals in response to feedback from residents, statutory consultees and other stakeholders.

Sustainability has also been a major focus of the project. The plans include the retention of a substantial proportion of the existing structure to reduce embodied carbon, alongside environmental performance measures, urban greening and biodiversity enhancements.

The development aligns with the emerging priorities of the City Plan 2040 and the City Corporation’s Climate Action Strategy, supporting objectives around sustainable growth, public realm improvements and climate resilience.

Tom Sleigh, chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee, said the approved scheme had evolved significantly through consultation.

He said: “The scheme that was approved by the committee was a stronger one than the early proposals, shaped by a long period of pre-application work and consultation with residents and statutory consultees.

“Crucially, it will also transform the public realm around the Barbican, with a new public route and plaza, open to all, creating a more welcoming, inclusive environment, with new cultural and community spaces that increase the City’s vibrancy across the week.”