[jef]

The redesigned 20 Fenchurch Street (160m) designed by Raphael Vinoly - City of London - will be submitted to the Planning and Transportation Committee next Thursday (19/09) with recommdenation that planning permission be granted.

Rhe footprint of the building at street level has been reduced by 31%. One of the most distinctive features of the building is the high level sky garden located above level 36. The sky garden would be accessible to the public and free of charge during normal office hours. The space totals 32.33 sq.m with a further 439 sq.m on 2 external terraces to the north and south.

The site is vacant and the developer - Land Securities - has secured the financing of the scheme which will be built speculatively.

Construction is expected to start later this year (after wind study, etc. has been provided to the Corporation).