Architecture Update: Paternoster rethink

THE FANFARE and carefully staged public consultation surrounding the original planning application for the redevelopment of Paternoster Square, the Fifties development flanking St Paul's cathedral, are notably absent now that a revised scheme addressing the City of London's objections to the proposals has been submitted.

The Classically inspired scheme by Terry Farrell, Thomas Beeby and John Simpson was rejected last November, when the City Corporation requested 22 changes. These have been met in full, including the removal of a sunken shopping arcade; and some buildings have been reduced in scale. The Environment Secretary, Michael Howard, does not want to interfere and will allow the City to determine the application itself in the autumn. The proposals are on show at the Guildhall until mid-August.