Major Milestone for London’s Commercial Construction Sector
Bovis has secured approval to begin main construction works on the £385 million development at 60 Gracechurch Street in the City of London, marking a significant milestone for one of the capital’s major commercial property projects.
Developed by Sellar in partnership with building owner Obayashi Properties UK, the 36-storey skyscraper will deliver approximately 430,000 sq ft of Grade A office accommodation. The scheme will introduce modern workspace, landscaped terraces and public amenities to a prominent location within London’s financial district.
Designed by internationally renowned architectural practice 3XN, the development is expected to strengthen the connection between the City’s established cluster of tall buildings and the nearby Walkie Talkie tower. Main construction is expected to begin imminently, with completion scheduled for the final quarter of 2029.
Bovis Leads the £385m Construction Project
Bovis has been involved in the development since July 2025, providing pre-construction services and working alongside Sellar and Obayashi Properties UK to prepare the scheme for delivery.
The latest approval allows the contractor to move forward from the planning and preparation stage into the main construction phase. A number of specialist contractors have also been appointed to undertake key elements of the development.
Keltbray will deliver demolition, piling, basement construction and the tower’s concrete core, while Permasteelisa’s Scheldebouw business has secured the façade package. William Hare has been reported as the structural steelwork contractor, with Phoenix ME and ESG sharing responsibility for building services installations. Fujitec is also lined up to provide the building’s lift systems.
The involvement of these specialist businesses highlights the scale and technical complexity of delivering a high-rise development within one of London’s busiest commercial districts.
3XN Creates a New Addition to London’s Skyline
The design by 3XN aims to create a contemporary office building that responds to the changing expectations of modern businesses and their employees.
One of its distinctive features will be landscaped terraces on every floor, providing outdoor spaces for occupiers throughout the building. A public viewing gallery on level 35 will also give visitors the opportunity to enjoy elevated views across London.
Its position at 60 Gracechurch Street will help establish a visual connection between the City’s existing collection of high-rise buildings and the iconic Walkie Talkie tower.
With approximately 430,000 sq ft of office accommodation, the development will provide businesses with access to modern facilities in the heart of London’s financial district.
Sustainability at the Centre of the Development
Environmental performance is a key consideration throughout the design and construction of 60 Gracechurch Street. The project is targeting BREEAM Outstanding certification and a NABERS 5.5-star rating, reflecting its ambitions for sustainable construction and energy efficiency.
The project team also intends to retain, reuse or recycle as much of the existing building fabric as possible. This approach is designed to reduce construction waste and limit the environmental impact associated with redevelopment.
The inclusion of planted terraces throughout the tower will introduce greenery into the building while providing valuable outdoor amenity space for office occupiers.
Together, these measures demonstrate the growing importance of resource efficiency, material reuse and operational energy performance in major commercial developments.
£385m Investment Strengthens London’s Construction Pipeline
The £385 million investment represents a significant addition to London’s commercial construction pipeline, bringing together a range of specialist contractors and construction disciplines.
From structural engineering and façade installation to building services and lift systems, the development will require extensive coordination throughout its construction programme.
It also reflects continued investment in high-quality commercial buildings that respond to modern workplace requirements and increasingly ambitious environmental expectations.
With approval now secured for the main construction works, 60 Gracechurch Street is moving into its next major phase. Upon completion in late 2029, the 36-storey development will provide approximately 430,000 sq ft of office space, landscaped terraces and a public viewing gallery, creating a prominent new addition to the City of London’s evolving skyline.
Source: BDC Magazine.
Image: 3XN / Sellar (architectural visualisation)