Land Securities to submit application for solution to Walkie Talkie solar glare problem

Land Securities has confirmed it will submit a planning application next month for the solution to the solar glare problem at the ‘Walkie Talkie.’ Last year the skyscraper at 20 Fenchurch EC3 was dubbed the ‘Walkie Scorchie’, after it was found its unusual design was reflecting and magnifying the sun’s rays, which were melting parts of vehicles parked in nearby streets. According to the developer, despite its problems, the building is now 64 per cent pre-let, with a further 23 per cent in solicitors’ hands, and just 42,700 sq feet of space remaining. Land Securities has also announced, that due to increased demand for London office space it is to launch two new central London developments.  

These consist of a £177m 270,900 sq ft office development at 1 New Street Square, EC4, with Skanska as the main contractor for the scheme, which is due to complete in June 2016 and the redevelopment of a 92,800 sq ft office scheme at 20 Eastbourne Terrace, W2, which will complete in December 2015 with an anticipated total development cost of £66m.

The developer has also decided to complete the office space at New Ludgate, EC4, to a Category A fit-out rather than shell and core to provide occupiers with the ability to occupy earlier. This will add four weeks to the base construction period and consequently practical completion will now be May 2015.