Plans have been approved for a new skyscraper to adorn the skyline of the City of London. The skyscraper, which is to be built at 20 Bury Street, has been nicknamed “the Tulip” due to its similar shape to the flower. The building will sit among several other architectural icons such as “the Gherkin”, and will be an interesting addition to London’s already impressive skyline.

It’s not only the shape of the new building that is interesting, the tower will be the second tallest structure in western Europe once completed and will be an impressive landmark in the heart of the financial district.

The structure, while clearly unique, is not without its detractors; the Greater London Authority (GLA) planners believe that the building does not follow the London Plan and it will now be down to the mayor of London Sadiq Khan to decide on the project’s future. There is also the potential for the secretary of state to become involved if needed.

A New Icon For The Capital

The new tower, designed by renowned architects Foster + Partners, has some astonishing features that will set it apart from some of London’s other famous skyscrapers. A viewing platform that features rotating pods will help to create an experience unlike many others that are available in the capital. The building will also feature a restaurant and sky bar, and there will also be educational facilities for use during school hours.

The project comes with some excellent pedigree as it’s architects, the world renowned Foster + Partners, have created many of London’s other architectural landmarks such as City Hall, the Millennium Bridge and also planned the redevelopment of Trafalgar Square. It is this pedigree that means that the project should fit harmoniously into the London skyline that they have helped to create.

Though there has been some pushback, namely from Historic England and Historic Royal Palaces, there is a strong belief that the new building will add significant benefits to the City of London area, and that any harm would be “less than substantial” according to the planners at the Greater London Authority. The Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee chairman, Chris Hayward, noted that the building “has the potential to play an important role in realising our vision of the square mile as a vibrant 24/7 city”. It is also hoped that the project will drive weekend tourism to the area which is renowned to be quiet outside of office hours.

A Bright Future Post-Brexit

The announcement of the development in the City of London will add weight to the idea that even a post-Brexit London will still be a culturally important capital in western Europe. The project is slated to be completed in 2025 and will be yet another jewel in the crown of the City of London. While the project will not allay all Brexit related fears in the City – we are far from anywhere near the end of that story! – the decision to place such a high value project in the heart of the City of London is a sure sign that there will still be significant value in the city, whatever Brexit brings.