Foster redesigns Spitalfields plan

LORD FOSTER has radically revised his design for a hugely controversial Bishops Square office block at the historic Spitalfields market on the eastern edge of the City. Following a 10-week-public consultation, Lord Foster has dropped the much-criticised 'ski-slope' roofs designed to swoop down from a height of 12 storeys to two, reduced the dominating scale of the building and included more public spaces.

His architectural practice, Foster and Partners, was today submitting the pared-down scheme to Tower Hamlets council. The architect, property developer Hammerson and the tenant, top City law firm Allen & Overy, hope the changes will win the support of planning officers. If the go-ahead is granted, work could start next year and the building could be finished by 2005. However, the process could be delayed still further if The Spitalfields Market Under Threat (SMUT) campaign carries out its threat to seek a judicial review.

The location of the main office block will still require the demolition of three-fifths of Spitalfields market, though not the listed Horner buildings. SMUT argues that the proposed block could have been built on the space between ABN Amro and the existing market building.

It also believes the corporate plaza that the Foster scheme will create will not be true to the vibrant, bohemian, bustling nature of the area. SMUT claims that the original outline permission granted to the Spitalfields Development Group in 1997 was not lawful as no environmental impact survey was carried out at the time.

A spokesman for Hammerson admitted that not everyone would be satisfied with the new design, but added: 'We have

made an honest and concerted attempt to meet the people and listen to the views and take it completely back to the drawing board.'

Some 3,500 lawyers and their minions at Allen & Overy will work in the 750,000 square feet of offices. Letting agent CB Hillier is seeking retail tenants for 24,000 square feet.

Hammerson paid £18m to buy a two-thirds interest in the Spitalfields Development Group. The other third is owned by Balfour Beatty. The Corporation of London owns the freehold site.