The construction of 1 Undershaft, one of London’s most anticipated skyscrapers, continues to evolve with recent updates introducing a significant redesign of its ground floor. Set to become an iconic feature in the City of London, the skyscraper has received newly submitted proposals that emphasise accessibility, public engagement, and green space, marking a new chapter in its planning and development.
1 Undershaft will stand as a landmark structure within London’s financial district, offering an impressive 154,000 square meters of office space that will support 13% of the City of London’s office space requirements. Designed by Eric Parry Architects, this project will feature co-working facilities alongside high-quality office spaces, providing a modern and flexible environment for London’s businesses. However, it’s the building’s innovative approach to public spaces that truly sets it apart.
Eric Parry, Founder of Eric Parry Architects, describes 1 Undershaft as “a uniquely welcoming tall building in the City of London that provides free public access on multiple levels throughout the building.” This includes a publicly accessible viewing gallery on the upper floors, which will be Europe’s highest and double as an educational space curated by the London Museum. This visionary approach aims to bring civic value to the heart of London’s skyline by making multiple floors of the skyscraper freely accessible to the public.
The updated plans bring a more inclusive and interactive feel to the ground floor, beginning with the introduction of a 20-meter public screen facing St Helen’s Square. This screen will display public information and feature a temporary stage for cultural performances. The design also retains more of St Helen’s Square, with the building’s southern façade repositioned further north to increase public space. The newly combined public entrances now lead to a grand, raised lobby, creating a welcoming and distinctive entryway.
Additionally, the lower and upper portions of the building will each feature gardens, adding a touch of natural beauty and creating accessible green spaces for both workers and visitors. The 11th-floor garden, designed as a 330-meter biodiverse area, will offer a sanctuary in the middle of the urban landscape. In colder months, visitors will have access to a double-height public garden room, allowing for a comfortable, commercial-free space year-round.
With extensive landscaping around the base of the building, 1 Undershaft is set to enhance the surrounding environment by incorporating intensified planting. The new public garden spaces and green designs on multiple levels reflect the building’s commitment to biodiversity and sustainability. Notably, the top-floor viewing gallery will also serve as a cultural space, educating visitors about London’s history and making the city’s rich heritage accessible from an unprecedented viewpoint.
According to Parry, the redesigned lower levels offer an improvement on previous plans by creating a stronger public entrance, greater space in St Helen’s Square, and enhanced landscaping, which reflects feedback from local stakeholders. The revised proposal ensures that the building maximises its role as a civic space, while still meeting the City’s needs for modern office facilities.
As planning for 1 Undershaft moves forward, the building’s unique design and emphasis on public accessibility solidify its place as a transformative project for the City of London. The development embodies a modern approach to skyscraper design, offering benefits not only to businesses but also to London’s public, creating a harmonious balance between functionality and civic engagement in one of the world's most iconic cities.
With its innovative public-focused approach, 1 Undershaft promises to be much more than an office space; it will be a landmark destination for Londoners and visitors alike.
