Did you know that as of the end of 2019, a record 76 new skyscrapers were set to proudly stand against London’s vista? With more towers populating the country’s capital compared to any other year in the city’s history, we take a more in-depth look at the city’s ever-changing skyline.
Buildings exceeding 20 storeys or more are gaining permission to be built at a faster rate than ever before, in fact, the number is over three times the total that was finished in 2018!
Where Will London’s High-Rise Buildings Be Built?
Statistics that were published by a London Tall Buildings Survey highlighted that the highest concentration of these high-rise buildings will be in the borough of Tower Hamlets; a region of London once renowned for being home to the working classes who inhabited the city’s East End.
The borough – which incorporates the well-known districts of Bethnal Green, Mile End and Whitechapel – will see a total of 18 new buildings erected there once they are all complete. Following that number, the second-highest amount will be seen Lambeth, a southern borough of London with 11 set to be constructed.
Included in this list is 52 Lime Street (the Scalpel), the Can of Ham at St Mary Axe in the capital’s financial district along with 22 Bishopsgate.
London’s Listed Skyscrapers
It comes after the number of skyscrapers in London hit an all-time high last year when there were 541 listed across the capital.
The findings were published in the New London Architecture and GL Hearn’s sixth London Tall Buildings Survey, which is published yearly.
Nine Elms Point in Lambeth, Embassy Gardens in Wandsworth and the Chelsea Waterfront will also see new skyscrapers finished.
Buildings Currently Under Construction
The findings show that there are currently 121 buildings under construction, also a record high following 2017’s landmark of 115.
The boroughs of Camden, Barnet and Hounslow have skyscrapers under construction for the first time in their history.
Furthermore, other skyscrapers planned include the Tulip and the Spire, with the former standing an impressive 1,000ft high, becoming London’s second-highest building after the Shard and incorporating a generous eight floors of viewing towers.
The Tulip
The Tulip features glass gondolas which allow visitors to ride on the outside. It will have bars and restaurants inside that will seat 1,500 people. It will be situated next to the famous Gherkin building.
Visitors to the skyscraper will have a unique 360-degree vantage point of London, with bridges, internal glass slides and gondola pod rides – along with interactive displays and talks from experts about the capital’s history.
The Spire
The Spire, now affectionately nicknamed the Flower Tower, will be Europe’s tallest apartment block standing at 775ft tall in Canary Wharf, which is due for completion this year.
Plans for the Future
Last year was a landmark year for skyscrapers in London, with 76 new buildings in line for completion, and it doesn’t stop there either; we can expect the capital to experience further developments over the next few years too.
Major Build Projects To Be Completed By 2026
- Bishopsgate – 294.94m (62 storeys)
- 52 Lime Street (the Scalpel) – 206m (36 storeys)
- 100 Bishopsgate – 181m (37 storeys)
- 6-8 Bishopsgate/150 Leadenhall Street – 185m (50 storeys)
- 70 St Mary Axe – 164.3m (21 storeys)
- 150 Bishopsgate – 150.92m (41 storeys)
- 80 Fenchurch Street – 78m (14 storeys)
- 1 Undershaft – 304.6m (73 storeys)
- Finsbury Avenue (Broadgate) – 168.4m (32 storeys)
- Leadenhall Street – 263.4m (56 storeys)
- 40 Leadenhall Street – 170m (34 storeys)
- 130 Fenchurch Street – 105m (17 storeys)
- 1 Leadenhall Street – Height: 182.7m (36 storeys)
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