'Greenhouse' office block sprouts next to Gherkin

The Gherkin is getting a new neighbour. This is the first image of a greenhouse-style building designed for a key site in the City.

The proposed office block, which will be considered by planners later this year, stands adjacent to the Swiss Re building.

It has been designed with a series of protruding steps, rising to a maximum of 15 storeys to make sure it does not have a negative impact on London's skyline.

The designers - Fletcher Priest Architects, the firm which is also helping create the 2012 athletes' village - hope to clad the building in recycled glass panels, with a "natural green tint".

It will have shops on the ground floor and a series of terraces and roof gardens, some covered and some open.

Spanish property development and investment company, Monteverde Grupo Inmobiliaro, bought the site on Bevis Marks for £65million two years ago. It was the firm's first UK acquisition.

The site is also adjacent to the 46-storey Heron Tower which is under construction. Approval was granted for the tower in 2002 despite English Heritage's objection that the 183-metre block would interfere with the skyline.