London redevelopment could include Europe’s largest living wall

Dominvs Group has submitted a detailed planning application for Citicape House at Holborn Viaduct in London. The GBP250 million (approx. Dhs1.2 billion) redevelopment of a prominent site in the heart of the City encompasses up to 27,500 square metres of floor space.

The company says the project will present an opportunity to “deliver a genuinely iconic building at the entrance to the new Culture Mile and establish a recognisable gateway to the City of London’s ambitious initiative which aims to redefine the City as a world-class cultural destination, including the new Museum of London.”

It is planned that Citicape House will encompass a high-quality 382-bedroom hotel; a publicly accessible viewing gallery with separate entrance; a publicly accessible rooftop terrace with restaurant and bar; and flexible SME-purposed workspace with associated public realm improvements. The proposals were designed by award-winning architecture practice Sheppard Robson.

Also included in the proposal is what would be Europe’s largest living green wall. Covering more than 3700 square metres and extending across the entire extent of the building’s façade, the living wall would be home to approximately 400,000 plants, providing seven tonnes of fresh air and absorbing nine tonnes of CO₂ each year.

Jay Ahluwalia, Dominvs Group Director said, “Dominvs Group is incredibly proud of our proposals for 61-65 Holborn Viaduct which aim to play a major role in the regeneration of the Smithfield area. With the City of London’s vision for the area and the creation of the Culture Mile, we feel this project will support and enhance the overall ambition for this exciting, new cultural destination as the creative heart of the Square Mile.

“Coming after our successful opening of The Dixon at Tower Bridge and the recent breaking of ground at Creed Court, St Pauls, we hope our proposals demonstrate our ongoing commitment to providing developments of the highest quality in Central London. We also believe the building’s proposed Living Green Wall, the largest in Europe, could be an exciting, innovative and celebrated addition to London for years to come.”