New look for London's south bank

London’s South Bank is set to be transformed by a unique mixed-use development with the famous Shell Centre Tower at its heart. Joint venture developers Canary Wharf Group and Qatari Diar have unveiled their proposed plans, which will re-vitalise the area with high quality architecture and much improved public spaces. A mix of offices, homes and retail space will integrate with open and attractive public areas, while new pedestrian routes will connect nearby Waterloo Station with the South Bank of the River Thames. A widened Chicheley Street will open up the approach to the London Eye, while a ‘city square’ at the heart of the scheme will provide open space and help people move around the area. The well-known Shell Centre Tower will remain the centrepiece of the new site, occupied by Shell which is taking a further 245,000 sq ft of space. The Tower will be complemented by eight new buildings, one of which will incorporate new offices and trading floors for Shell. Approximately 800,000 sq ft of office space (including the Shell Centre Tower), along with around 80,000 sq ft new retail units, restaurants and caf?s, will be accompanied by approximately 800,000 sq ft of residential space incorporating up to 790 new homes, including affordable housing. The development is planned for completion in 2019. The proposals for the development incorporate a highly efficient energy centre which will reduce the carbon footprint of the site. The system will be designed to interconnect with a district heating network being explored for the wider South Bank area. Sir George Iacobescu, Chairman and Chief Executive, Canary Wharf Group, said: "It is a privilege to have the opportunity to work on such a historically interesting and important site as the Shell Centre. Our vision is of a beautiful place to live and work in the cultural heart of the most exciting city in the world. Just as importantly, we look forward to working with the local authority and the community to ensure that local people get the best possible opportunities from this new development for many years to come." More than 1,000 local people, businesses and visitors have shared their views on the future development, through an extensive, year-long community consultation, which has helped to shape the scheme master plan, by leading architects Squire and Partners. Qatari Diar Group Chief Executive Officer Eng. Mohammed bin Ali Al Hedfa, continued: "Our aim is to enhance an area in need of a renaissance, with a new mixed use development of which London can be truly proud. We are confident that our proposed development will put a reinvigorated South Bank at its rightful place, at the Capital’s heart." Graham van’t Hoff, Chairman, Shell UK, said: "We’re excited about our future here on the South Bank, and look forward to bringing our London-based staff back to one location once the application is approved and construction is complete. Shell Centre is our long-term home in London, and we’re confident that Canary Wharf Group and Qatari Diar will deliver a project that will benefit both London and the local community. It will create prime office and residential space, as well as attracting more people to the South Bank with new shops and restaurants."