The planned biodiverse office project at 63 St Mary Axe would be a similar height to the nearby Gherkin.

It would provide 635,000 sq ft of space at the edge of the City of London’s Eastern Cluster and include a new park and multi-function ground-level auditorium.

AXA’s decision to advance the scheme comes after the property firm achieved full occupancy at its 22 Bishopsgate building, the City of London’s tallest building.

At 176m high, 63 St. Mary Axe is the fifth flagship office job AXA has advanced in the Square Mile since 2012, collectively totalling nearly 3m sq ft of commercial space.

Tower elevated on columns above a recessed podium block with extensive planting

This new public amenity connects the ground plane with a series of landscaped walkways and balconies above, occupying the equivalent of six storeys, while tracing the original trajectory of London Wall.

The remaining churchyard of St. Augustine Papey will also be retained and celebrated as part of the park.

The proposals include the unveiling of a currently buried section of London’s ancient Roman Wall, located within Camomile Park along the southwestern length of the site.

In line with AXA IM Alts’ sustainable development commitments, 63 St. Mary Axa will be a fossil fuel-free, all-electric building, targeting BREEAM Outstanding, NABERS 5 Star and net zero carbon in operation.

Rob Samuel, UK Head of Development at AXA IM Alts, said: “It is intended to be an inclusive building which delivers the type of innovative and forward-thinking workspace that helps the City of London continue to attract global occupiers.

“We have combined this with significant new green public spaces that align with the City of London Corporation’s ambition to keep the Square Mile more open and alive in and outside of traditional working hours, while also celebrating the City’s important Roman and medieval heritage.”