RiverStone International has fully occupied 22 Bishopsgate, London’s tallest skyscraper, leasing the final 25,000 square-foot fifth-floor space with a 15-year commitment, according to a statement released by Axa SA, the building’s developer.
The completion of occupancy at the 1.2 million square-foot tower, which stands 278 meters (912 feet) tall with 62 storeys, marks a significant milestone for the City of London financial district. Completed in December 2020, 22 Bishopsgate replaced an earlier, stalled project known as The Pinnacle, which faced suspension in 2012 during the Great Recession after only seven storeys were completed.
The building, designed by PLP Architecture for AXA IM – Real Assets and Lipton Rogers Developments, was conceived as a “Vertical Village,” offering approximately 100,000 square feet dedicated to amenities intended to enhance the experience for both occupants and the public. These include a 1,699-space Bike Park, a Market on level 2 featuring fresh food and open kitchens, and The Exchange on level 7, providing co-working space and networking opportunities for start-ups.
Further amenities include a Gym with a double-height glass climbing wall and a high-altitude room, The Retreat on level 41 offering relaxation and health services, and The Club on the 57th level, designed for client hosting. The building’s design incorporates a twenty-three-sided, faceted glass form intended to complement the surrounding architecture and the historic Bank of England Conservation Area.
Demand for premium office space with extensive amenities has remained strong despite the rise in remote function, according to Axa. The development of 22 Bishopsgate proceeded despite the uncertainties surrounding Brexit and the coronavirus pandemic. The Economic Development Corporation of Saudi Arabia and Arab Investments initially invested £500 million in the project, securing a majority stake in the structure.
