52 Lime Street, AKA ‘The Scalpel’, is a striking 190-metre office tower in the heart of the City of London, designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates for W.R. Berkley as the location of their UK headquarters and to let to tenants. A considered addition to the skyline, it works in conversation with neighbouring buildings to complement the overall composition of the City Cluster and improves the public realm. Its simple geometric form is reinforced by partially-reflective glass and bright metallic fold lines and a new public plaza activates the base. 52 Lime Street has achieved BREEAM ‘Excellent’.

The offset core provides large, virtually column-free floor plates that are efficient to plan for a variety of industries and sizes of tenancy, whilst floor-to-ceiling glass delivers daylight and spectacular views. Twin lifts (independent lifts in a single shaft) operate more efficiently, enabling swift movement and providing user flexibility.

A new plaza has been created, providing valuable public space between 52 Lime Street and its neighbours. This is activated by an independent coffee shop (opening later this year).

On the skyline, it respects protected views of St Paul’s Cathedral and works in conversation with buildings in the City Cluster.

Height: 190m
Number of storeys: 42