130 Fenchurch Street: WilkinsonEyre Reveals Plans for a Landmark Tower in the City of London
Proposals for a striking new skyscraper at 130 Fenchurch Street are moving forward, with public consultations now open ahead of a formal planning application. Designed by award-winning architects WilkinsonEyre and developed by CO—RE for Aviva Investors, the scheme aims to deliver a showpiece office tower in the heart of London’s Square Mile, setting new benchmarks for sustainability, design innovation, and public engagement.
A New Architectural Landmark
Rising to 34 storeys and 479ft (146m), the proposed tower will feature a distinctive ‘crown’ design at its peak, giving it a bold architectural identity within London’s evolving skyline. The glass-and-steel structure will replace the existing Fountain House, a 16-storey block built on a Second World War bomb site, which is set to be demolished to make way for the new development.
The tower will provide approximately 430,000 sq ft of premium office space across 31 storeys, alongside 4,000 sq ft of retail and hospitality facilities at ground level. In addition, the design incorporates 600 sqm of landscaped public space, green terraces, and pedestrian connections from Cullum Street to Fen Court, improving accessibility within this historic part of the City.
Public Spaces and Cultural Engagement
A key feature of the proposals is the integration of public viewing galleries and an exhibition space on level 17, offering new perspectives of London’s skyline and cultural programming at the heart of the development.
On-site, Seed130, a temporary cultural hub showcasing work by poets, writers, and scientists, has already opened and will remain active throughout the planning process. This early activation reflects Aviva Investors’ ambitions to create not just an office tower but a destination that blends business, culture, and public engagement.
Sustainability at the Forefront
In line with London’s City Plan 2040, the 130 Fenchurch Street development is targeting industry-leading sustainability standards, responding to growing demand for energy-efficient, future-ready workplaces. Post-pandemic shifts have significantly altered workplace expectations, with businesses prioritising flexible, sustainable, and inspiring environments to entice employees back to the office.
According to property consultancy Knight Frank, availability in newly constructed, sustainable office buildings in the City of London has dropped to just 0.5%, reflecting booming demand. To address this, the City of London Corporation has set out plans to deliver 1.2 million sqm of additional office space by 2040, and 130 Fenchurch Street forms a critical part of this long-term strategy.
Images coursesy of https://130fenchurchstreet.co.uk
Positioning Within London’s Skyline
Once complete, the tower will rank among the 12 tallest buildings in the City of London, though this may shift as several other high-rise schemes progress over the coming years. The design complements nearby architectural landmarks while contributing a distinctive silhouette thanks to WilkinsonEyre’s sculptural approach to form and materiality.
The architects’ focus on lightweight transparency and green integration aims to balance the City’s historic urban fabric with its contemporary ambitions, ensuring the building enhances both the skyline and street-level experience.
Timelines and Next Steps
2025 → Public consultations underway
Late 2025 → Planning application considered by the City of London Corporation
Early 2026 → Demolition of Fountain House expected to begin (if approved)
2026–2030 → Construction period
2030 → Anticipated completion
Ben Littman, Head of Development in Real Estate at Aviva Investors, described the proposals as:
“Aiming to deliver a showpiece tower in the Square Mile, these plans support the City of London’s ambitious City Plan 2040 and will create a truly flagship location with the potential to attract world-leading businesses.”
Aviva Investors’ Wider Development Portfolio
130 Fenchurch Street is one of several key projects within Aviva Investors’ broader development strategy in London, which also includes One Liverpool Street and 101 Moorgate. Together, these schemes demonstrate a growing commitment to transforming the City’s commercial landscape, blending premium workspaces with cultural spaces and community-focused design.
The redevelopment of 130 Fenchurch Street represents more than just another office tower for the City of London—it marks a significant shift in how workplaces are designed, experienced, and integrated within their urban context. By combining sustainability, public accessibility, and architectural distinction, WilkinsonEyre’s vision sets a new standard for high-rise design in one of the world’s most competitive commercial districts.
As the project moves through consultation and planning stages, it signals a confident, forward-looking approach to London’s future as a global business hub.
More Architetcural Stories
Explore the proposed 34-storey tower at 130 Fenchurch Street in London’s Square Mile. Designed by WilkinsonEyre for Aviva Investors, the sustainable skyscraper will feature 31 storeys of office space, public viewing galleries, exhibition spaces, and green terraces, shaping the future of City workplaces.