London, a city known for its historical architecture and charming streets, is undergoing a dramatic transformation. The city is embracing the future with a bold vision: a sky full of skyscrapers!
Over the next decade, London will see an astounding increase in skyscrapers, with over 500 new towers set to grace the city’s horizon. This surge in vertical construction will reshape the city’s skyline, transforming its landscape and offering residents a new way of life.
A City Reaching Upwards: The Rise of High-Rise Living
The majority of these towering structures will be dedicated to residential use, catering to the city’s ever-growing population and demand for housing.
East London is expected to be home to nearly half of these new buildings, while Central London will welcome an additional 99 skyscrapers. Even the outer boroughs of London will see their fair share of high-rises, with a third of the new structures set to be built in these areas.
The trend towards high-rise living in London is driven by the city’s expanding population and the need to accommodate a growing workforce, particularly in sectors like technology and finance. With limited space in the inner city, skyscrapers offer the only viable solution to accommodate this influx of people and businesses.
“London will continue to grow as a city, but it needs to manage that growth within its real estate,” explains Michael P. Davis, Head of London Unlimited at JLL. “London is experiencing a serious shortage of residential units in the inner city. With high land costs, the only solution is to build upwards.”
From Cheesegraters to Trellises: A New Era of Architectural Design
The skyscrapers rising in London are not just functional structures, they are also becoming architectural masterpieces. Many of these new buildings are being designed with a focus on aesthetics, creating eye-catching additions to the city’s skyline.
In Central London, the desire to preserve views of St Paul’s Cathedral has influenced the designs of many skyscrapers. Architects have been challenged to create buildings that do not obstruct “viewing corridors” between the iconic cathedral and other parts of the city.
This has led to some unique and memorable designs. For example, 100 Leadenhall, with its sharply angled side, is fondly known as the “Cheesegrater” for its ability to maintain a clear view of St Paul’s. Similarly, the 206-meter development under construction at 52 Lime Street, with its sharp angles, has earned the nickname “The Scalpel.”
These buildings are not just blending into the skyline, they are becoming landmarks in their own right. “These buildings are design statements,” says Davis. “The vision of developers and architects means that these new buildings are contributing positively to the London skyline, and London itself.”
Eye-Catching Designs: A Feast for the Senses
The innovative designs of these new skyscrapers are not limited to Central London. Across the city, architects are pushing the boundaries of design, creating buildings that are both functional and visually stunning.
In the City of London, a 90-meter building under construction is already known as the “Can of Ham” for its unique ovoid design. The 290-meter 1 Undershaft, with its intricate latticework, has been dubbed “The Trellis” for its striking exterior.
Even in Canary Wharf, the city’s financial district, a new residential tower is making waves with its distinctive design. The 235-meter Spire, scheduled for completion in 2020, has been nicknamed the “Flower Tower” due to its petal-inspired curves.
Beyond the Skyline: Reimagining Urban Living
These sky-piercing buildings are not just changing the city’s skyline, they are also changing the way people live and work in London.
While many of these towers are primarily residential, some are incorporating public viewing galleries, offering panoramic vistas of the city. This not only enhances the appeal of these buildings to residents, but also makes them attractive to tourists and Londoners alike.
London’s outer boroughs are also embracing the rise of high-rise living. With the arrival of new transportation links like the Elizabeth line, these areas are becoming increasingly attractive for development. Combined with a growing population and lower property prices, these factors are driving the construction of high-rise towers in suburbs like Bromley and Waltham Forest.
These new developments are not just limited to residential units. Projects like Stratford’s 143-meter Manhattan Loft Gardens are creating mixed-use complexes that include apartments, restaurants, hotels, and even vertical gardens.
The Embassy Gardens in Wandsworth is another example of innovative design, featuring a sky-high, suspended swimming pool that bridges its two towers. These innovative designs demonstrate how high-rise living can be both practical and aesthetically pleasing.
A New Era of Housing: Embracing Vertical Living
The increasing popularity of high-rise living in London is driven by several factors.
“People are becoming more accustomed to living in residential towers,” explains Davis. “London has a large international population who are familiar with living in high-rises, creating a ready market.”
Additionally, Asian investors have been purchasing residential units in London for several years, with a strong preference for high-rise towers. These factors, combined with the city’s limited space, are contributing to the growing demand for vertical living in London.
Despite the surge in high-rise construction, the majority of available residential units in London are still found in mid- and low-rise developments. However, Davis acknowledges that “high-rise living will become far more common, especially in the high-density skyscraper clusters of the inner city.”
Beyond the Towers: Sustainable Development and a Brighter Future
Developers are not just building skyscrapers, they are also exploring new construction methods and designs that promote sustainability.
In Croydon, the One Lansdowne Road development is an example of this trend. This mixed-use development will incorporate retail, offices, and residential units, including 300 build-to-rent flats. It will also be the world’s tallest modular building, with prefabricated units shipped to the site for assembly.
This innovative approach to construction offers several advantages, including faster construction times, reduced waste, and improved sustainability.
“The key will be for the new buildings to contribute positively to the local environment,” emphasizes Davis. “This includes providing affordable housing and offering multiple use spaces such as retail, entertainment, and leisure facilities.”
London’s Global Reach: A City Reaching for the Stars
While London’s skyline may still be relatively sparse compared to other major cities like those in North America and Asia, the city is embracing the future of urban development.
“Compared on a global scale, a very low proportion of world cities are predominantly low-rise,” says Davis. “Creating the space to accommodate an expanding workforce and population will help London compete with other top-tier cities in China, the U.S., and the Middle East.”
London is embracing the potential of skyscrapers not only to accommodate its growing population but also to enhance the city’s attractiveness as a global hub.
A City Transformed: A Glimpse into the Future
As the number of tall towers in London is set to increase by nearly eight times within the next decade, the city’s skyline will reflect its growth and ambition. London is not just building for the present, it is building for the future, and it is doing so with style and innovation.
