Heron Tower

Topping 232 metres, Heron Tower is the tallest building within the City of London square mile, the first challenge on which was the achievement of planning permission for the 46-storey centrepiece of the wider Heron Plaza development. Having been appointed early in the process, Mace helped the client to obtain planning consent, managed the design development and procured contractors before negotiating a fixed price for second stage completion, facilitating an on-programme commencement to works on site. Mace also planned and managed the extensive enabling works package, reconfiguring roads and traffic flow around the site to minimise disruption.

The tower is designed as a series of 11 "villages" over three floors, each with a triple height atrium, and the innovative off-set services core creates expansive and flexible office spaces. Sustainable features such as a triple-skin glazed façade and photovoltaic cells contributed to a BREEAM Excellent rating. With a tight 189-week programme, and a fixed price contract, Mace set up a change control procedure to keep the project within budget, and developed an inspection strategy to ensure quality benchmarks were met at every stage of construction. On completion in 2011, the tower will soar over the neighbouring buildings, providing a new world-class financial complex in the heart of London.