New skyscraper approved for the Square Mile

The new building will nestle in amongst the "Walkie Talkie", Scalpel and Leadenhall "Cheese Grater" skyscrapers

A new glass-walled "jewel like" tall building is set to join the skyscraper cluster in the Square Mile, after it was approved by the City of London Corporation.

The current vacant office block at 130 Fenchurch Street, known as Fountain House, will be demolished to make way for two new towers, one with 31 storeys and the other 34.

Designed by architects WilkinsonEyre, it will include 58,000 sq m of office space, a publicly accessible cultural space and external garden terrace.

The chairman of the City of London Corporation's planning and transportation committee, Tom Sleigh, said the building would deliver on "jobs, public space, and best-in-class offices".

The proposed building by investors Aviva has a distinctive "crown" design

The new glass and steel building will neighbour the "Walkie Talkie", Scalpel and Leadenhall "Cheese Grater" skyscrapers.

The proposed development will include new food and drink spots, and a pedestrian route connecting Cullum Street to Fen Court.

An external garden terrace located on the 17th floor of the building will be accessible to the public and is designed to provide green space and panoramic views.

A public rooftop gallery will also be based on the 20th floor.

Ben Littman, head of development at Aviva Investors, one of the developers behind the tower, said it was a "bold and thoughtful scheme that will bring a long-vacant site back into positive use.

"It reflects the best of what the City can offer; ambition, culture, sustainability and inclusivity."

The unvacated office premises Fountain House is set for demolition in 2026

Fountain House was built between 1954 and 1958 and was one of the first tall office buildings constructed in the City of London after the Blitz.

It was built on a former bomb site and designed by architects W H Rogers and Sir Howard Robertson.

Previously home to various insurance and finance firms, it made up part of the Square Mile's financial ecosystem, and was inspired by Lever House in New York.

The existing building is set to be demolished next year, with the new scheme scheduled to be completed in 2030.