Latest news with #AXAIMAlts
Time Out
7 days ago
- Business
- Time Out
A massive new 45-storey skyscraper has been approved for the City of London, right next to the Gherkin
Just when you thought that the Square Mile couldn't possibly fit another skyscraper, the City of London Corporation planning applications sub-committee has officially granted permission for one more. The new 63 St Mary's Axe will be erected short walk from the Gherkin (at 30 St Mary's Axe Street), with 45 storeys and more than 85,000 square metres of floor space. It'll include a publicly accessible park wrapping around the lower levels, named Camomile Park, and an auditorium, with space on the ground floor and lower floors open for commercial, cultural and leisure use. More excitingly, it'll 'reveal and celebrate' a previously hidden surviving section of the Roman-built London Wall. The site's existing buildings will be knocked down to make way for the new tower. On the 63 St Mary's Axe website, planners say that 'for local residents and pedestrians, the [current] site isn't a very welcoming experience, with narrow pavements, blank frontages and very little greenery' and that 'the workspace no longer meets the needs or expectations of modern workplace occupiers'. Previous plans stated that the tower would have access to a garden on every floor, and 100 trees would be planted in the surrounding area. AXA IM Alts, the property investment firm behind the skyscraper, said that it had engaged with more than 350 local community groups and other stakeholders to come up with the idea to create Camomile Park' Tom Sleigh, the chairman of the City of London Corporation Planning and Transportation Committee, said that '63 St Mary's Axe, with its elevated walkways and cultural experience, will offer a new way to move through and enjoy the City'. With concerns over how London's ever growing skyline will impact protected views of the Tower of London (and threaten its UNESCO World Heritage status), the corporation says that the new building has been 'designed to respect historic heritage views of the Tower of London and St Paul's Cathedral'. A second tower has also just been approved for a site nearby – 85 Gracechurch Street, which'll reach 32 storeys. That's on top of a new 54-storey build next to Liverpool Street Station, three new blocks planned for Bankside and a swanky glass tower proposed for 130 Fenchurch Street. You think that's a lot? One thinktank reckons London will get nearly 600 new skyscrapers in total over the next decade.
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Massive 46-storey skyscraper next to the Gherkin in the City of London gets green light
A 46-storey office block has been approved by The Gherkin in the City of London's eastern cluster. The plans for 63 St Mary Axe, which is also in close proximity to the Can of Ham, will see the existing buildings knocked down and replaced with the new tower. A public park, an auditorium and food and drink spots are planned, plus the opening up of part of the ancient Roman wall. Historic England had previously objected to the scheme during consultation partly due to the loss of a suspected 13th-century burial ground. The heritage body wrote that under AXA IM Alts' proposal, which was submitted with the City of London Corporation in February, the potential burial ground would have to be removed. Being the only remaining physical evidence of two churches, St Augustine Papey and St Martin Outwich, the lack of an archaeological evaluation means it is unknown how much of it remains. Despite this, Historic England wrote that 'there is also the potential for other remains to be present here which pre-date the burial ground, possibly to the Roman period, which cannot be identified or assessed without proper evaluation'. They added: 'We therefore have to assume on the basis of desk-based evidence that, at a minimum, the burial ground is largely intact and that it retains its evidential value.' A spokesperson for 63 St Mary Axe previously told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) the potential burial ground 'has been paved over for decades', and that the plans will celebrate the space with significant greening and the unveiling of a buried section of the Roman wall. Other concerns were raised by a handful of statutory consultees, including over the potential impact on the Tower of London if the scheme was approved. Two residents also filed objections, as did The Wardens and Society of the Mistery or Art of the Leathersellers of the City of London, which owns a number of nearby properties, due to fears such as the loss of light. Ahead of a planning meeting, corporation officers had recommended the proposal be approved. While acknowledging the concerns raised, they pointed to benefits such as the huge amount of office floorspace to be delivered, almost 4.23 per cent of the required commercial space by 2040, and work to be done to ensure any archaeological finds are appropriately removed. The treatment of the suspected burial ground was raised by Common Councillors Jacqueline Webster and Philip Kelvin. Cllr Webster asked about the archaeological opportunities for the site, to which she was told there are two: the excavation of the burial ground, which will provide insight into historic local communities; and the opening up a section of the old Roman Wall, deemed to be the 'primary' opportunity. Cllr Kelvin queried this determination, in-part due to there being no assessment of the archaeology and no plan as to where any remains may be moved to. Jonathan Smith from planning consultancy DP9 clarified the applicant's understanding of the wall to be the primary opportunity was due to it being statutorily identified as a scheduled monument, while the burial ground is non-designated. Cllr Kelvin later asked about the potential impact on the Tower of London and how, given the committee refused a Bury Street application late last year partly due to this consideration and concerns raised by Historic England, members should proceed. 'From a consistency perspective, how should we as members think about this when we refuse one very similar-type concept and why the public benefits outweigh it in this application but didn't in one not too long ago.' Tom Nancollas, Assistant Director (Design) at the Corporation, told the committee each scheme must be taken on its own merits and that the two applications are different in key ways. The profile of the 63 St Mary Axe proposal, for example, 'clearly and unmistakably displays deference to the Tower', largely due to it leaning away from the historic site. It is also physically distinct, he added, telling members: 'The viewer really can be left in no doubt that what they are seeing is two separate entities each with their own integrity but which can be appreciated in juxtaposition visually or on their own terms.' Cllr Kelvin further referenced comments from Historic Royal Palaces, which manages the Tower and had called for changes to the scheme including a steeper design. Mr Nancollas said such concerns were valid, though that the points raised had been incorporated into the scheme and the application has done 'all it can' to fit into the existing cluster. The committee voted to approve the proposal, with just Cllr Kelvin against. Rob Samuel, UK Head of Development at AXA IM Alts, said: 'This resolution is a strong endorsement of our proposals and builds on AXA IM Alts' track record of delivering future-focused, landmark office developments that create lasting value for both occupiers and the wider community. 'New buildings such as 63 St Mary Axe and 50 Fenchurch Street are essential to the capital maintaining its position as a world leading centre of business.'
Globe and Mail
07-07-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Chloris Geospatial Raises $8.5 Million Series A to Scale Satellite-Based Forest Carbon Monitoring
BOSTON , July 7, 2025 /CNW/ -- Chloris Geospatial, a climate-tech company pioneering satellite-based measurement of forest carbon and ecosystem change, announced today it has raised $8.5 million in Series A funding. The round was led by Future Energy Ventures, with participation from existing investors AXA IM Alts, At One Ventures, Cisco Foundation, Counteract, and Orbia Ventures. With this new funding, Chloris will accelerate product development, grow its commercial and technical teams, and deepen partnerships across corporate carbon accounting for forest risk commodities and the carbon value chain, meeting the market's rising demand for verifiable, high-quality nature-based solutions. The company will also expand its operations with a new European hub to support regional growth and customer engagement. The investment comes at a pivotal time for the climate and nature agenda, when trust, transparency, and scalable solutions are more urgent than ever. While the climate and nature crises are global issues, action is taken locally, by governments, project developers, investors, and supply chain actors working across diverse landscapes and regions. Aligning local actions with global ambition demands fit-for-purpose solutions that are both scientifically rigorous and operationally scalable at every level. Chloris' technology responds directly to this need, enabling better decisions through transparent, science-based insights. Developed under the guidance of Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer Dr. Alessandro Baccini , the Chloris technology uses satellite data, proprietary sensor fusion and machine learning to measure vegetation, going far beyond traditional land cover mapping. Chloris is uniquely positioned to provide high-quality, affordable, and timely data on what has happened in every acre of forest around the world since the year 2000. "This is a decisive moment," said Marco Albani , CEO and Co-Founder of Chloris. "To protect and restore nature at the pace and scale the climate demands, we need tools that make it easy to act—with confidence. That's what Chloris enables, and this investment allows us to take it to the next level. We're thrilled by the support of Future Energy Ventures and honored by the continued belief in our mission from all of our investors." As science has been telling us, forests are essential carbon sinks, biodiversity havens, and socio-economic assets—and the urgency to protect and restore them has never been greater. In the past year alone, record-breaking wildfires and declining biomass trends, visible in Chloris data, have highlighted the accelerating loss of forest carbon. Reversing this trend requires scaling investment in nature, but doing so depends on our ability to accurately quantify biomass dynamics with confidence and consistency. "We invested in Chloris Geospatial because we believe their technology is the missing link to restoring trust and unlocking growth in carbon markets, as well as improving accounting standards. The ability to independently, transparently, and affordably measure carbon dynamics across all woody vegetation globally represents a step change in how we monitor and account for nature-based climate solutions," said Patrick Elftmann , Managing Partner at Future Energy Ventures. Across both voluntary carbon markets and corporate supply chains, organizations are increasingly relying on satellite-based insights to assess, invest in, and monitor forest carbon projects and to report emissions and removals in alignment with protocols like the GHG Protocol. "At AXA IM Alts, investing in solutions that protect, restore, and sustainably manage natural capital is core to our mission. Our continuous support for Chloris reflects our belief that scalable, science-based measurement is critical to driving integrity and impact in both carbon markets and corporate climate strategies," said Adam Gibbon , Natural Capital Lead at AXA IM Alts. Chloris' clients include leading corporations working to monitor forest-risk supply chains and make data-driven decisions aligned with climate goals and carbon accounting standards, forward-looking developers of nature-based solutions, and innovative carbon markets standards. Organizations rely on Chloris' analysis to quantify forest carbon dynamics with confidence and integrate transparent, science-based data into their climate reporting. About Chloris Geospatial Chloris Geospatial is a leading provider of science-based forest carbon insights, combining AI, machine learning, and satellite technology to deliver high-integrity carbon data at scale. Chloris empowers businesses, governments, and project developers to make informed decisions with consistent, cost-effective, and verifiable data, maximizing impact on the ground. For more information, visit: About Future Energy Ventures Future Energy Ventures (FEV) is one of the leading platforms for early-stage climate tech startups and scaleups globally. Fund II, an SFDR Article 9 fund, invests in digital and digitally enabled climate technologies with high potential to redefine the energy world and build cleaner, smarter cities. Founded in 2016, FEV partners with exceptional founders and offers opportunities for financing, cooperation, and scaling through industry and investor partners. SOURCE Chloris Geospatial
Associated Press
07-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Chloris Geospatial Raises $8.5 Million Series A to Scale Satellite-Based Forest Carbon Monitoring
BOSTON, July 7, 2025 /CNW/ -- Chloris Geospatial, a climate-tech company pioneering satellite-based measurement of forest carbon and ecosystem change, announced today it has raised $8.5 million in Series A funding. The round was led by Future Energy Ventures, with participation from existing investors AXA IM Alts, At One Ventures, Cisco Foundation, Counteract, and Orbia Ventures. With this new funding, Chloris will accelerate product development, grow its commercial and technical teams, and deepen partnerships across corporate carbon accounting for forest risk commodities and the carbon value chain, meeting the market's rising demand for verifiable, high-quality nature-based solutions. The company will also expand its operations with a new European hub to support regional growth and customer engagement. The investment comes at a pivotal time for the climate and nature agenda, when trust, transparency, and scalable solutions are more urgent than ever. While the climate and nature crises are global issues, action is taken locally, by governments, project developers, investors, and supply chain actors working across diverse landscapes and regions. Aligning local actions with global ambition demands fit-for-purpose solutions that are both scientifically rigorous and operationally scalable at every level. Chloris' technology responds directly to this need, enabling better decisions through transparent, science-based insights. Developed under the guidance of Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer Dr. Alessandro Baccini, the Chloris technology uses satellite data, proprietary sensor fusion and machine learning to measure vegetation, going far beyond traditional land cover mapping. Chloris is uniquely positioned to provide high-quality, affordable, and timely data on what has happened in every acre of forest around the world since the year 2000. 'This is a decisive moment,' said Marco Albani, CEO and Co-Founder of Chloris. 'To protect and restore nature at the pace and scale the climate demands, we need tools that make it easy to act—with confidence. That's what Chloris enables, and this investment allows us to take it to the next level. We're thrilled by the support of Future Energy Ventures and honored by the continued belief in our mission from all of our investors.' As science has been telling us, forests are essential carbon sinks, biodiversity havens, and socio-economic assets—and the urgency to protect and restore them has never been greater. In the past year alone, record-breaking wildfires and declining biomass trends, visible in Chloris data, have highlighted the accelerating loss of forest carbon. Reversing this trend requires scaling investment in nature, but doing so depends on our ability to accurately quantify biomass dynamics with confidence and consistency. 'We invested in Chloris Geospatial because we believe their technology is the missing link to restoring trust and unlocking growth in carbon markets, as well as improving accounting standards. The ability to independently, transparently, and affordably measure carbon dynamics across all woody vegetation globally represents a step change in how we monitor and account for nature-based climate solutions,' said Patrick Elftmann, Managing Partner at Future Energy Ventures. Across both voluntary carbon markets and corporate supply chains, organizations are increasingly relying on satellite-based insights to assess, invest in, and monitor forest carbon projects and to report emissions and removals in alignment with protocols like the GHG Protocol. 'At AXA IM Alts, investing in solutions that protect, restore, and sustainably manage natural capital is core to our mission. Our continuous support for Chloris reflects our belief that scalable, science-based measurement is critical to driving integrity and impact in both carbon markets and corporate climate strategies,' said Adam Gibbon, Natural Capital Lead at AXA IM Alts. Chloris' clients include leading corporations working to monitor forest-risk supply chains and make data-driven decisions aligned with climate goals and carbon accounting standards, forward-looking developers of nature-based solutions, and innovative carbon markets standards. Organizations rely on Chloris' analysis to quantify forest carbon dynamics with confidence and integrate transparent, science-based data into their climate reporting. About Chloris Geospatial Chloris Geospatial is a leading provider of science-based forest carbon insights, combining AI, machine learning, and satellite technology to deliver high-integrity carbon data at scale. Chloris empowers businesses, governments, and project developers to make informed decisions with consistent, cost-effective, and verifiable data, maximizing impact on the ground. For more information, visit: About Future Energy Ventures Future Energy Ventures (FEV) is one of the leading platforms for early-stage climate tech startups and scaleups globally. Fund II, an SFDR Article 9 fund, invests in digital and digitally enabled climate technologies with high potential to redefine the energy world and build cleaner, smarter cities. Founded in 2016, FEV partners with exceptional founders and offers opportunities for financing, cooperation, and scaling through industry and investor partners. For more information, visit: Photo - Logo - View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Chloris Geospatial
Metro
04-06-2025
- Business
- Metro
Former BBC studios where EastEnders was filmed riddled with asbestos
A crumbling production complex where EastEnders and other iconic BBC TV shows have been filmed has been found to be riddled with asbestos. A pre-demolition survey of BBC Elstree Centre — sold to investment giant AXA IM Alts — shows that the substance is present across the buildings. Asbestos material was found in studios, a restaurant, the Central Technical Area, Hart House, the historic Fairbanks, a maintenance building and Neptune House, where Holby City was filmed. The new owners commissioned the survey as they turn the world-famous site in Borehamwood, north west London, into a film-making complex meeting modern standards. At the Art Deco-style studios where EastEnders, Children in Need and the BBC's General Election coverage have been filmed, the material was found in more than 150 different places. One sample was taken from insulation within a wall void and given a high priority classification. The inspectors found that the material was likely to be 'easily disturbed' and flagged it as 'remove.' Another sample taken from a restaurant block was classed as 'high priority'. However the material, used for thermal insulation, was judged 'usually inaccessible or unlikely to be disturbed.' Another sample was taken from stairs on the ground floor of studios M and C, according to the document released this week. The presence of the material was judged 'low risk' but Asbestos Consultants Europe Ltd recommended it be removed. AXA IM Alts said in January 2024 that it had exchanged contracts with the BBC for the 16-acre campus, with the deal due to be completed early this year. EastEnders will remain in an already modernised part of the site under a deal between the old and new owners to lease back part of the studio campus over the next 25 years. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video The investment company has said in a planning application that 'the existing premises are no longer fit for purpose' and the redevelopment 'will boost the Elstree film industry.' The buyers, who are working with Oxygen Studios on the plans, intend to create a major new film and TV production complex with modern day requirements able to attract large-scale productions. The new development has been named Fairbanks Studios in tribute to actor Douglas Fairbanks, who leased studios on the site in 1952. The report was carried out to protect workers and others from 'asbestos containing materials' which might be unknowingly disturbed during demolition work. A spokesperson for AXA IM Alts said: 'We are fully aware of the presence of asbestos on the site which is common in old buildings and those that have been added to during their lifespan. More Trending 'These buildings are not currently in use and have not been occupied since we acquired them. 'Our development plans to transform the site into a fit for purpose, modern media campus already account for the safe removal of any asbestos using experts in this field and according to current regulations.' The BBC forwarded a request for comment from Metro to AXA IM Alts. Do you have a story you would like to share? Contact MORE: Elstree & Borehamwood: Tinseltown's less glamorous movie twin put EastEnders, Star Wars and Indiana Jones on the map MORE: BBC show branded 'completely unwatchable' triggers complaint from epilepsy group MORE: BBC releases Match of the Day 'porn noises' report it tried to keep secret
