Updated proposals for
ALBAN GATE
125 London Wall
Arax Properties is pleased to share our intention to submit a new planning application for minor refurbishment to the ground floor and podium level of Alban Gate.
We previously consulted on proposals to refurbish Alban Gate in September 2022 and subsequently submitted a planning application.
Having listened carefully to feedback received on our previous plans, a decision has now been made to prepare a new application solely in respect of the street and podium levels.
We have updated our proposals to respond to all the points and comments raised by the local community. In particular, balconies are no longer proposed and there will be no removal of escalators.
You can find out more about why we are submitting a new application, what we are now proposing and how we have changed our proposals in response to your feedback further down this page.
To provide your comments on the updated proposals, you can complete our online feedback form.
The Previous Proposals
We previously consulted on proposals to refurbish Alban Gate in September 2022 and subsequently submitted a planning application.
The previous proposals included the following:
Embracing Alban Gate’s heritage of post-modernism and emerging artistic movements
Improved wayfinding at ground floor with pedestrian routes clearly marked
Introduction of balconies to provide new amenity space for workers
Increased urban greening with pollution absorbent planting
Increase in office reception space to improve guest experience
Vibrant material palette to increase engagement
206sqm of flexible space at podium level for public art, pop-up retail or events
480sqm of flexible retail space at podium level
Reconfiguration of podium walkway to improve wayfinding and visitor experience
Use of reflective ceilings at podium level to brighten the area
Improved accessibility to the podium with new stairs and an enhanced lift
Creation of a new co-working area at podium level
Why are we submitting a new application?
After considering comments by the local community and City Corporation officers, a decision has now been made to prepare a new application.
The proposals have been updated to respond to the feedback from the local community and we are now planning to submit a new application that addresses all the points and concerns raised.
We have listened carefully to the comments received and changed our proposals in response to this feedback.
What has changed?
You Said
We Did
You opposed the addition of exterior balconies and were concerned about the impact on residential amenity for neighbours and on the building’s architectural character.
No balconies are now proposed for the exterior of the building to Monkwell Square or Wood Street South.
You were concerned that there were too many changes being made to the podium level.
Changes to the podium level are reduced. There is an increased reception area, one retained retail unit and one removed retail unit which means the space for the Highwalk becomes larger.
You did not want to see the existing escalators removed and replaced with lifts or stairs and were worried it would adversely affect access.
All escalators are now proposed to be kept and refurbished.
The previous proposals indicated the introduction of a bright, bold colour palette. You were concerned it did not fit the context of the building and surrounding area.
A more muted palette has been demonstrated, with the emphasis now on reuse and adaptation of existing finishes and integrated wayfinding.
Our Updated Proposals
Currently, the pedestrian experience, way-finding, and undersized entrances of Alban Gate lack the presence one expects of a grade A office building of this size.
Our new refurbishment proposals seek to deliver focused improvements to the podium level and receptions, as well as an extended podium level office reception. We are also proposing to enhance the aesthetic of the building by working with and adapting existing finishes and incorporating a muted colour palette designed to complement the existing architecture.
Images of the podium level and Highwalk as existing
Proposed refurbishment of Wood Street south escalator
- Retention and refurbishment of the Wood Street south escalator
- Retention and refurbishment of the Wood Street north escalator
- Creation of new access door between the ground floor reception & Wood Street north escalator base
Proposed refurbishment of podium level exterior viewed from Wood Street
- Refurbishment & animation of existing under-croft elevation to London Wall
- Creation of new floorspace through partial void infill over Wood Street North escalator
- Re-cladding of selected isolated supporting columns at street level and generally at podium level
Proposed extension to podium level reception space
- Extension of office entrance at podium level
- New way-finding signage to podium entry and access points
- Primary structural beams at podium level to be painted in muted colour palette
View showing increased public space and new seating area following demolition of Western retail unit
- Refurbishment of existing east retail unit to podium level
- Removal of existing western retail unit to podium level to increase public space of Highwalk, with the glazed walls facing the escalator and road retained
View showing proposed improvements to Highwalk
- New planters, lighting & inclusive seating options to Highwalk
- Refurbishment of existing light fittings to podium Highwalk
- Refurbishment & cleaning of existing floor finishes
Have your say
You can let us know your thoughts on our updated proposals by completing our online feedback form.
ALBAN GATE
Updated proposals for the refurbishment of Alban Gate, 125 London Wall
- clovett@conciliocomms.com
- 0800 994 9049
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