London’s empty ‘glass testicle’ will have lift shaft renovated in leafy transformation

Work is finally underway to transform the empty London City Hall building into a leaf-lined shops and restaurants.

The former Mayor’s office, dubbed by ex-mayor Ken Livingstone as the ‘glass testicle’ will also have it’s lift shaft renovated.

The deconstruction work on the building on the banks of the River Thames is expected to run until early 2026. So far, the glass panes and 500 meter staircase have been removed.

The building must grow to fit retail at the base level and the straightening of the exterior is necessary to create terraces for greenery.

The material treatment of the lift shaft has been revised by extending blue-green enamelled finishes over its full height.

Designers say this allows it to ‘integrate more harmoniously with the overall architecture of the scheme’.

They added new plans contained a ‘significant 27% reduction in steel usage’ compared to the earlier version of the scheme saving 812 tons of CO2 emissions. 

Queen Elizabeth opened the showpiece headquarters designed by Lord Foster in 2002.

But in 2020, Sir Sadiq Khan decided to move the London Assembly to the Royal Victoria Dock in Newham in an attempt to save costs and increase regeneration.

Figured obtained by The Standard in 2012 revealed cleaning the 3,000 glass panes racked up a whopping bill of £140,000 a year.

A chamber where assembly members would question mayor and officials about policy and budget was the focal point of the building.

It featured a 500 meter spiral staircase which is already gone.

Brian Coleman who was a Conservative on the London Assembly when city hall opened told ITV News:’It’s cultural vandalism of the worst sort.

‘This was built as city hall, seat of London governance. Instead Sadiq moved the assembly and the mayor down to some warehouse down river in Newham – it’s outrageous.’

The building has been renamed 110 the Queen’s Walk and will feature urban greenery, shops, restaurants and some interest in space for cultural exhibitions.

However, at the public exhibition of the plans, there was one visitor from South-West London who was negative about ‘lots of pot plants’, the expense and whether the changes were necessary.

There were other concerns about the trees potentially blocking the view.

The Londonist has even suggested its new nickname to be the ‘mossed ribcage.’

Former Green party London Assembly member said to ITV News: ‘I think initially it looks absolutely amazing because you really don’t want a derelict building right on the banks of the Thames.

‘I think on the whole better to use it than leave it empty.’

The new architects, Gensler, said the redesign will be ‘anchored around principles of reuse, material circularity, passive design, biodiversity and inclusivity.’

Ben McKnight, who used to work in the building, commented on Facebook saying: ‘I worked there until 2016. Whatever people think, having lost County Hall, it brought a visibility and prominence to the GLA.

‘Now we see it move from public service to private economic imperative.

‘The redevelopment is going to cost more than allowing the GLA to stay there.’

Historic England registered ‘modest concerns regarding the application on heritage grounds’ and tried twice to have the building listed to maintain its distinctive features.

Historic England and Gensler have been approached for comment.