City of London office block near Moorgate Station getting 21st-century revamp with new food and drink options

The proposal for Milton Gate, a 1980s block at One Moor Lane by the border with Islington, will deliver 300,000 square feet of Grade-A office space alongside a series of public realm improvements.

The building’s current occupier has a lease expiring this year and, according to Brookfield, Milton Gate requires upgrades to its services, facilities and amenities to attract future tenants.

Some concerns were raised by objectors including Historic England, which claimed the removal of the block’s blue-glazed exterior would affect the architectural interest and that the ‘cumulative impact’ would harm the setting of the Brewery Conservation Area.

Sion Latter, Chairman of the Heron Residents Committee, was also among those to object over Milton Gate’s proximity to the Heron and the expected impacts on daylight.

City of London Corporation planners approved the application on Friday (May 16) via delegated powers.

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Designed by architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM), the plans will increase the amount of office space by about 50 per cent and retain 70 per cent of the existing structure.

Changes to the building will include a new entrance on the corner of Moor Lane and Ropemaker Street, a food and drink offering on the ground floor and landscaped terraces.

In planning documents, the applicant wrote the refurbishment will deliver “the quality Grade A office space, amenities and leading sustainability credentials demanded by the City, together with an improved civic presence which connects and contributes to the Culture Mile and the local community”.

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Dan Scanlon, President of Brookfield Properties, UK, said: “We appreciate the support and positive feedback from the City of London and neighbouring occupiers which have shaped our proposals for One Moor Lane, and thank the team for their efforts in reaching this important milestone.

“Brookfield Properties has a proud track record of reimagining real estate – delivering destinations in the City of London which have created vibrant new public spaces for the local community alongside modern, sustainable and highly appealing workspace for global occupiers.

“We expect the transformation of One Moor Lane to similarly create a new destination office of wide appeal.”

The Corporation recently said its planners are gearing up to approve a series of office and co-living schemes.

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These include a new development at 150 Minories, which would provide 277 new co-living units, and a revamp of Faryners House on Monument Street.

Tom Sleigh, the new Chair of the Planning and Transportation Committee, said: “These schemes reflect the City’s commitment to sustainable growth, cultural enrichment, and inclusivity. As we deliver modern workspaces to meet evolving business needs, we are equally focused on respecting our architectural heritage and enhancing amenities for local residents, workers and visitors.

“With 96 per cent of our offices within five minutes’ walk of a Tube station, we have seen the level of active demand in Central London, particularly for large scale pre-lets, continue to rise. The City Corporation will remain focused on delivering a minimum of 1.2 million square metres of the best-in-class office space in the best-connected locations.”