Plans to build a 53-storey skyscraper in Blackfriars – dubbed the ‘Jenga Tower’ – have been given the go ahead.
Planning officers voted in favour of proposals to build the 183.5-metre high tower as part of a six-building development in Blackfriars Road, bounded by Stamford Street, Paris Gardens and Christ Church Gardens.
Concerns were raised by Historic England, which claimed the giant tower could affect views of the Grade I-registered St James’s Park – but these were dismissed by the planning committee.
Black Pearl Limited’s and Wilkinson Eyre’s development will include both private and affordable housing, a hotel, office space, and a music venue.
A total of 227 private homes will be provided within the Jenga Tower building, which will also house retail units at ground and mezzanine level.
Level one to eight of the tower will provide bedrooms for a neighbouring hotel building, with the main residential accommodation starting from level nine onward.
The twelve-storey hotel building will provide 548 rooms, and a fifteen-storey block will contain 61 affordable homes, which will be social rented.
In addition, 35 affordable homes will be built off-site. Thirteen of these will be affordable rent and twenty two will be ‘intermediate’.
An off-site development has been identified at Amelia Street which is currently under construction.
The developer plans to fund the conversion of 35 of the private units at this site to affordable housing. This scheme is due for completion in June 2018.
They have also proposed to make an in lieu payment of £1.6million which will go towards the delivery of affordable housing.
A 34-storey office building will also be built, with two retail units on the ground floor.
A 525-capacity music venue proposed as part of the scheme will adjoin the Mad Hatter Hotel.