1 Blackfriars

1 Blackfriars or One Blackfriars, is a mixed-use development approved for construction at the junction of Blackfriars Road and Stamford Street at Bankside, London. The development is made up of a 52-storey tower of a maximum height of 170m and two smaller buildings of 6 and 4 stories respectively. Uses include residential flats, a hotel and retail. In addition a new public space will be created. The site was formerly occupied by the headquarters of Sainsbury's supermarket.

Original planning and design

Initially promoted by the Beetham Organisation, the tower was originally proposed at 225 metres (738 ft), with 68 storeys, but was eventually scaled down after concerns about its impact on the rest of London. A revised planning application for a 163 metres (535 ft), 49-storey tower was submitted on 30 October 2006. Although 57 m shorter than before, this would still make it one of the tallest buildings in the city, similar in height to the Gherkin and Tower 42 in the City of London.