SKMC - Mixed-Use Development - London E14, London's Second Tallest Building

Date: 24 Mar 2004

Columbus Tower, a 63-storey mixed-use tower that will enhance the London Docklands skyline, has received a 'Resolution to Grant' planning permission by Tower Hamlets Council.

The development, located at Hertsmere House, Hertsmere Road, West India Quay, London E14, will stand at 239m, some six metres short of 1 Canada Square, making it currently the second tallest building in London.

The 93,423 sq m (net) scheme, being developed by SKMC and Farnham Properties, comprises 30,085 sq m of office space, 192 hotel rooms, 74 hotel suites, a health and fitness club, 2,246 sq m of retail and 75 car parking spaces. The scheme also offers a rooftop bar and restaurant and a glazed pavilion, providing an all-weather amenity area, that are accessible to the public, which is a first for a UK tower.

The developer, SKMC and Farnham Properties Limited is delighted that this significant step has been achieved in delivering what the planning report describes as a "world class design...that is arguably the most exciting building in London in terms of its striking design and mix of creative uses".

Paul Webster of SKMC, said: "This decision was a result of a huge amount of work undertaken by all our consultants. It has been very much a team effort made easier by the fact that we are dealing with such a fantastic landmark building."

The project team is:
DMWR Architects as the principal architect working in association with Weintraub Associates
GVA Grimley as planning consultant
DTZ as commercial agent
David Arnold Cooper as legal consultant
Consulting engineer John Allen Consulting
Gleeds as the cost consultant
Roberts & Partners as M&E consultant
Derek Lovejoy Partnership as landscape architect
Monk Dunstone Associates together with Construction Alliance as the joint project manager
Environmental consultants John Allen Consulting and WSP

The resolution to grant is subject to a section 106 condition and referral to the Mayor, who has supported the scheme throughout the pre-planning stages, the Civil Aviation Authority and London City Airport to resolve the aviation safeguarding issues.

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