Axa IM Alts, the investment arm of French insurer Axa, has submitted a planning application to the City of London Corporation for a new 46-storey skyscraper at 63 St Mary Axe, located near the iconic Gherkin. This ambitious £750 million project is set to further redefine London’s skyline, reinforcing the City’s status as a global financial hub.
The proposed development, designed to meet modern sustainability and workplace efficiency standards, will offer high-quality office space with a focus on flexibility, natural light, and employee well-being. Notably, the tower will feature terraces on every floor, providing green spaces for workers while enhancing air quality and biodiversity. Additionally, the base of the tower will incorporate a public park, making it one of the few skyscraper projects in the City that prioritises community engagement and accessibility.
If approved, 63 St Mary Axe will mark Axa’s third major post-pandemic skyscraper in London, following the successful 22 Bishopsgate—which at 278 metres is the tallest building in the City of London—and the currently under-construction 50 Fenchurch Street, a 36-storey tower integrating a heritage site with modern office space.
This project aligns with the City of London Corporation’s broader vision for sustainable and resilient urban development, supporting the ongoing demand for prime office spaces despite the evolving trends of hybrid work. By incorporating green building features, energy efficiency measures, and enhanced public realm improvements, the scheme is positioned as a key contributor to London’s future commercial landscape.
Industry experts suggest that, if approved, the project will create thousands of construction jobs and long-term employment opportunities within the financial and professional services sectors. However, the development will also need to navigate planning challenges, environmental considerations, and evolving post-pandemic workspace needs.
For more details, visit The Times.
Image of the proposed 63 St Mary Axe skyscraper. Source: The Times / Project Consultation Website.