US insurance firm WR Berkley appoints architect to design new 40-storey office tower in the City

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A new 40-storey City office tower is being planned by a US insurance firm, with architect KPF appointed to draw up the plans.

According to Building’s sister title Property Week, WR Berkley has appointed architects KPF to draw up plans for a new development at 52-54 Lime Street, in the City of London.

Property Week said a major new tower of 40 storeys or more is being planned for the site, which is on the corner of Lime Street and Leadenhall Street, near the Gherkin, the Aviva Tower and new developments the Walkie-Talkie and the Cheesegrater.

The building could be used to consolidate WR Berkley’s UK operations, Property Week said.

The existing buildings at 52-54 Lime Street and 27 Leadenhall Street total 98,000 sq ft, but a study by KPF has shown that a much larger development could be accommodated on the site, the magazine said.

A spokeswoman for WR Berkley told Property Week: “WR Berkley can confirm it has appointed the world class architects KPF in respect of an office development scheme at 52-54 Lime Street in London.

“Our plans are in development and are engaged in discussions with the Corporation of London. We will make an announcement in due course once we have finalised our proposals.”