GPE gets planning for reworked London Bridge office revamp

Southwark councillors have backed the retrofit-first redesign by Orms, which will see the existing 1980s structure retained and extended by five storeys to create an 11-storeyoffice building with landscaped roof terraces and balconies.

The 190,000 sq ft project, previously known as New City Court, was redrawn after councillors ordered changes over the scheme’s impact on nearby heritage buildings, including the grade II-listed Guy’s Hospital.

GPE will now tender the project with view to starting work in summer 2026 and finish by late 2028.

The revamp will restore the historic St Thomas Street frontage and refurbish a Georgian terrace to create affordable workspace, while reusing the original concrete frame to slash embodied carbon and construction waste.

James Shipton, senior development manager at GPE, said: “We are delighted to have secured Southwark Council’s Planning Committee’s resolution to grant planning permission for this transformative re-use project, which reflects our confidence in the strength of the London office market and extends GPE’s investment in this prime location.”

Simon Whittaker, director at Orms, added: “Our scheme adds to what already exists, re-using all of the concrete frame to deliver high-quality office accommodation and making significant improvements to the streetscape and greenery of the local area.”