Multiplex appointed by AXA IM Alts and YardNine to deliver Fifty Fenchurch Street

London, United Kingdom. AXA IM Alts, a global leader in alternative investments with €186 billion of assets under management, and YardNine, have appointed Multiplex to deliver the 650,000 sq. ft Fifty Fenchurch Street office development in the City of London. The building is set to become one of the lowest-carbon and most biodiverse high-rise towers in the UK.

Following a Preconstruction Services Agreement (PCSA), Multiplex has now been awarded the Design and Build contract, with main works due to start on site in August following completion of piling and excavation.

Designed by Eric Parry Architects in collaboration with engineering firm Arup, Fifty Fenchurch is a 36-storey, all-electric commercial tower that will dramatically increase biodiversity in the City of London. The building will feature extensive vertical greening with landscaped terraces accessible from each office floor to enhance workplace amenity, providing direct access to nature for all occupiers. Public spaces will include indoor and outdoor gardens with a restaurant at level 10 providing views across the city of London. The project combines nature, smart technology, and innovative design to create a future-focused building for generations to come. 

The first phase of construction involves an open bulk excavation of three levels below ground for a  basement box, which spans the entire footprint of the site. This space will include a new livery hall for the Clothworkers' Company, which has occupied the site since its founding in 1528.

The development also includes the conservation of two listed buildings: the All Hallows Staining Church Tower and Lambe's Chapel Crypt. These will be reinstated into 1,500 sqm of new ground level public realm, with part of the basement constructed beneath the church tower. This will remain in place during construction, supported by a temporary grillage, while the crypt has been carefully removed for later reinstallation.

Campbell MacDougall, Director at YardNine, said:
‘’We are delighted that following a 6-month Pre-Construction Services Agreement with Multiplex we successfully agreed a full building contract for the construction of this amazing development, Fifty Fenchurch Street. We look forward to working with Karl Wilkinson and the Multiplex team who have seamlessly ‘picked up the reins’ and are driving the project.

‘’For 500 years the Worshipful Company of Clothworkers’ have occupied the site, and we will be re-instating them into their new Hall along with the refurbishment of the Grade 1 Listed All Hallows Tower and a new highly sustainable office building, creating a legacy in the City of London. We look forward to building that legacy with the Multiplex team.’’

Karl Wilkinson, Project Director at Multiplex, said:
“We’re extremely proud to have been appointed to deliver Fifty Fenchurch on behalf of AXA IM Alts and YardNine. Given the historical significance of the site and the positive impact this development will have on London, this is an exciting project for Multiplex to be involved in.

''Once complete, the building will provide a state-of-the-art workplace that seamlessly integrates sustainability, biodiversity, and innovative design, redefining what it means to build for the future in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.”