Contractor Multiplex has paused construction of 22 Bishopsgate in response to the government’s latest coronavirus guidelines.

Although the government has confirmed that open-air construction is allowed to continue for the time being, in a letter sent to staff, Multiplex chief executive Callum Tuckett said that ceasing work would be the “best and most appropriate action,” explaining: “We recognise that a large proportion of the labourers that work on our sites are self-employed and rely upon sites being open to generate their livelihood… So, in line with government guidance, we have sought to keep sites open whilst deploying stringent measures to ensure that operations are undertaken safely, including by implementing social distancing and cleaning protocols according to government best practice… The latest guidance from the government is clear, the deployment of such safety measures is no longer enough.”

Construction is due to complete later this year, and the scheme has already secured a number of high-profile pre-lets, including Nasdaq, Apple, and Hiscox.

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