12 Jul 2012, 4:07 pm
Reuters also reported today that Andrew Reynolds, vice-president of UK property development at WR Berkley, had confirmed that it is "in discussions with KPF and the City of London Corporation about a project".
If the plans proceed the building will form a new headquarters for WR Berkley and contribute to the increasing number of insurance companies planning to occupy skyscrapers in the Square Mile.
Recent other agreements to locate there include Aon's 191,000 square feet lease of the "Cheesegrater" and Markel's pre-let of the "Walkie Talkie" tower on Fenchurch Street, both of which are currently under construction.
WR Berkley purchased two buildings in Lime Street and Leadenhall Street in mid 2011 from Prupim, creating speculation that a planning application would be submitted for a new building. However, those sites together were not a big enough plot to house a skyscraper development.
The Times has reported that the insurance group has agreed to buy the adjoining site at 34 Leadenhall Street from Legal & General to increase the size of its development plot.
KPF is best known in London for The Heron tower at 110 Bishopsgate; they also designed the World Bank Headquarters in Washington DC.
