Nestled in the heart of the City of London, 1 Silk Street, London, stands as a testament to the city’s ability to weave together its rich historical tapestry with cutting-edge innovation. This iconic address, home to the global headquarters of the Magic Circle law firm Linklaters, is poised for a transformative redevelopment that promises to redefine the area’s skyline and cultural landscape.
Located opposite the world-renowned Barbican Centre, 1 Silk Street, London, is more than just an office building—it’s a symbol of the City’s evolution from a war-torn past to a vibrant, sustainable future. In this article, we’ll dive into the historical roots of this site, explore its current significance, uncover the ambitious plans for its redevelopment, and highlight its role in shaping the community and environment around it.
The Historical Context of 1 Silk Street, London
Origins of Silk Street
Silk Street’s story begins long before the modern buildings that now define it. Running north-south and then west-east in the City of London, Silk Street marks a historic boundary between the City and Islington. Before World War II, this area was a bustling network of streets, including Paper Street to the west, which connected to Whitecross Street. The war changed everything. Heavy bombing left the area in ruins, erasing much of its pre-war street pattern and setting the stage for a dramatic transformation. Silk Street, however, retained its name and alignment, serving as a surviving thread of the City’s historical fabric.
Post-War Reconstruction and the Barbican Estate
The post-war era brought ambitious urban renewal to the City of London. In the 1960s and 1970s, the Barbican Estate emerged on a 35-acre site devastated by the Blitz, designed by architects Chamberlin, Powell, and Bon. This Brutalist masterpiece, now Grade II listed, absorbed parts of Silk Street and the former Paper Street, creating a residential and cultural complex that includes the Barbican Centre, a world-class arts venue just across from 1 Silk Street, London. The estate was built for affluent professionals, with flats marketed at commercial rents to attract lawyers, bankers, and politicians. Its concrete towers and elevated walkways became a bold statement of modernist ambition, reshaping the area’s identity.
1 Silk Street’s Early Days
The site at 1 Silk Street, London, took shape in the 1980s with the construction of Milton House (17 storeys) and Shire House (13 storeys), designed by Fitzroy Robinson Partnership. These interlinked towers, with their heavily glazed facades, were later refurbished in 1996 by Sheppard Robson to meet the needs of Linklaters, which established its headquarters there. The refurbishment added modern amenities like a staff restaurant and gym, but the buildings were products of their time, prioritizing function over innovation. While they served as a reliable home for one of the UK’s top law firms, their utilitarian design and lack of architectural distinction set the stage for future redevelopment.
The Current Landscape of 1 Silk Street, London
Home to Linklaters
Today, 1 Silk Street, London, is synonymous with Linklaters, a global law firm that has occupied the site since the 1980s. The twin towers of Milton House and Shire House provide over 300,000 square feet of office space, housing thousands of employees in the heart of the City’s financial district. The 1996 refurbishment modernized the interiors, but the building’s core structure reflects mid-1990s office design, with limitations that are becoming increasingly apparent in a rapidly evolving commercial landscape. Its strategic location near Moorgate and Liverpool Street stations makes it a cornerstone of the City’s business ecosystem.
Challenges of the Existing Structure
The current buildings at 1 Silk Street, London, face significant challenges. Low floor-to-ceiling heights and limited natural light create a less-than-ideal working environment. The inflexible floorplates restrict modern office layouts, and the building’s energy performance falls short of the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) Band C requirements set to take effect in 2027. Without significant upgrades, the structure risks becoming “unlettable,” prompting Linklaters to plan a move to new headquarters at 20 Ropemaker Street in 2026. These limitations have fueled calls for a complete redevelopment to bring the site up to modern standards.
Strategic Location in the Culture Mile
Positioned within the City of London’s Culture Mile, 1 Silk Street, London, benefits from its proximity to cultural landmarks like the Barbican Centre and the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. The Culture Mile initiative aims to transform the area into a vibrant hub for arts, education, and community engagement. The site’s location opposite the Barbican Centre’s main entrance on Silk Street enhances its visibility and accessibility, with excellent transport links to Moorgate, Liverpool Street, and Barbican stations. This prime positioning makes 1 Silk Street a focal point for both commercial and cultural activity in the City.
Redevelopment Plans for 1 Silk Street, London
Vision for a Sustainable Future
The future of 1 Silk Street, London, is taking shape under the guidance of Lipton Rogers Developments and LaSalle Investment Management, with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) leading the architectural design. The proposed redevelopment aims to replace the outdated 1980s complex with a 21-storey, two-tower office building that prioritizes sustainability and innovation. By retaining 40% of the existing structure—specifically the basement and foundations—the project reduces embodied carbon and minimizes construction waste. The new design targets BREEAM Excellent and NABERS 5* certifications, aligning with the City of London’s City Plan 2040 for sustainable urban growth.
Architectural Design and Features
SOM’s vision for 1 Silk Street, London, is a bold departure from the current buildings. The proposed 91,100 square meters of commercial space will be complemented by 2,189 square meters of retail and community areas, including a shared-use community hall. A pedestrian arcade will connect Silk Street to Milton Street, improving accessibility to nearby transport hubs. A 2,406-square-meter public plaza opposite the Barbican Centre’s entrance will enhance the area’s streetscape, offering green terraces, street-level planting, and a 352% increase in biodiversity compared to the existing site. Potential facilities for the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and a public art program further enrich the cultural offerings.
Community Engagement and Consultation
The redevelopment team has prioritized community input, holding public exhibitions on July 23 and 25, 2024, and additional consultations in November 2024. Residents have voiced concerns about the proposed height of the 95.9-meter towers, fearing they could overshadow the Barbican Estate and create a “tight canyon” effect on Silk Street. The Barbican Quarter Action group has criticized the scale of the project, citing potential impacts on local amenity and heritage. In response, the developers have emphasized their commitment to working with stakeholders to address these concerns, with a full planning application submitted in June 2025 and a decision expected later this year.
Community and Environmental Impact
Balancing Development and Heritage
The redevelopment of 1 Silk Street, London, must navigate a delicate balance between progress and preservation. The site sits near the Barbican and Golden Lane conservation areas and six listed buildings, including the Grade II-listed Barbican Centre. Critics, including Barbican residents, worry that the 21-storey towers will disrupt the area’s iconic Brutalist skyline and reduce daylight for nearby homes. The developers have pledged to respect the area’s heritage, with SOM’s design aiming to complement the Barbican’s aesthetic while introducing modern elements that enhance the streetscape.
Sustainability Goals
Sustainability is at the heart of the 1 Silk Street redevelopment. By reusing the existing foundations, the project minimizes environmental disruption and reduces carbon emissions. The all-electric office building will incorporate green terraces and new trees, boosting biodiversity and improving air quality. These efforts align with the City of London’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2040. The focus on energy efficiency ensures that 1 Silk Street, London, will meet stringent EPC requirements, setting a new standard for sustainable commercial properties in the Square Mile.
Enhancing Public Spaces
The proposed public plaza and retail arcade at 1 Silk Street, London, promise to transform the area into a more welcoming destination. The plaza will open up the Barbican Centre’s hard-to-find Silk Street entrance, improving visibility and accessibility for visitors. The pedestrian arcade will create a seamless connection between Moorgate, Liverpool Street, and the Barbican, encouraging foot traffic and supporting local businesses. These enhancements aim to revitalize the Culture Mile, making it a vibrant hub for residents, workers, and tourists alike.
The Future of 1 Silk Street, London
A New Landmark for the City of London
When completed in 2032, the redeveloped 1 Silk Street, London, is set to become a landmark that embodies the City’s Destination City ambitions. With 91,100 square meters of high-quality office space, the site will attract global businesses seeking modern, sustainable workplaces. The project’s estimated £450 million investment underscores its economic significance, supporting the City’s goal of delivering 1.2 million square meters of new office space by 2040. The bold architectural vision, led by SOM, will redefine the area as a dynamic commercial and cultural hub.
Integration with the Barbican’s Renewal
The redevelopment of 1 Silk Street, London, aligns with the Barbican Centre’s £240 million refurbishment, set to begin in 2027 and complete by 2032. This synergy will enhance the Culture Mile’s appeal, with the new plaza and cultural spaces at 1 Silk Street complementing the Barbican’s upgraded foyers, conservatory, and lakeside terraces. Together, these projects will elevate the area’s status as a global destination for arts and innovation, fostering a sense of community and creativity.
Economic and Cultural Contributions
The redeveloped 1 Silk Street, London, will have far-reaching impacts. It will create jobs during its 12-month demolition and three-and-a-half-year construction phases, while the completed building will support the City’s role as a global financial center. The addition of retail, cultural spaces, and a community hall will enrich the Barbican area, drawing visitors and supporting local institutions like the Guildhall School of Music & Drama. By blending economic vitality with cultural vibrancy, 1 Silk Street will help cement the City of London’s reputation as a forward-thinking metropolis.
Conclusion
From its roots in the City of London’s post-war reconstruction to its current role as a commercial powerhouse, 1 Silk Street, London, encapsulates the City’s ability to evolve while honoring its past. The proposed redevelopment by Lipton Rogers, LaSalle Investment Management, and SOM promises to transform this site into a sustainable, innovative landmark that enhances the Culture Mile and supports the City’s long-term vision. As the project moves through the planning process, residents and stakeholders have a unique opportunity to shape its future. Visit onesilkstreetconsultation.com to explore the plans and share your feedback. With its blend of history, ambition, and community focus, 1 Silk Street, London, is poised to become a defining feature of the City’s skyline and soul.
