Insurer says upkeep of current building ‘too costly’

Lloyd’s of London could be about to leave its famous Richard Rogers-designed headquarters in the City of London for Make’s new Leadenhall Triangle scheme, dubbed ‘Gotham City’.

The Sunday Times has reported that the insurer is looking at moving out because the company is worried about the cost of the upkeep of the building which was built in 1986.

Its former chief executive Richard Ward said last year: “There is a fundamental problem with this building. Everything is exposed to the elements and that makes it very costly.”

Make's Leadenhall Triangle

Make’s Leadenhall Triangle

The paper reports that Ward’s successor, Inga Beale, is in talks with Leadenhall Triangle developer Henderson about moving into Make’s scheme, so-called Gotham City, which was given planning earlier this year. The 85,000sq m complex at 40 Leadenhall Street will step up from seven to 34 storeys.

The Sunday Times said Lloyd’s has break clauses on the Rogers building between 2021 and 2026. It was given grade I status three years ago, the youngest structure ever to be awarded the status.