Southwark Council is poised to approve the upwards extension of a 1980s office block that fronts the River Thames a stone’s throw from Southwark Cathedral.

Ben Adams Architects’ proposals would add three new storeys to Minerva House, which was designed by Michael Twigg Brown and Partners and completed in 1983, taking its total height to nine storeys.

The Southwark Street practice’s plans were drawn up for Pontsarn Investments – which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Great Portland Estates. They would add 6,400sq m of floorspace to Minerva House, giving it a new total of 18,750sq m. Four new roof terraces for occupants of the offices are also proposed, along with the extension and re-cladding of the southern part of the building, which faces Montague Close.

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