[title]
It might already feel like the City of London is packed with skyscrapers – but apparently there's still plenty of room for new ones. Nine new towers are currently either under construction or have confirmed planning permission in the ever-changing Square Mile – and the City of London has just revealed what they’ll all look like, if and when they’re built.
The image makes one thing very clear: the Square Mile is set to get bigger and shinier than ever. Here’s the City’s (potential) future skyline.
So, what’s being built and where? Here’s the lowdown.
Bishopsgate
There’s a lot going on down on Bishopsgate, as the 62-storey tower recently completed at 22 Bishopsgate (with the highest restaurant in the UK, by Gordon Ramsay) will soon be joined by two more. The 26 storey tower at 99 Bishopsgate will soon be replaced with a massive 54-storey version structure consisting primarily of offices but with some commercial and cultural spaces, too.
Over at 55 Bishopsgate two new buildings will be popping up, as planning permission has been confirmed for both a 63-storey tower and a 22-storey mixed-use building. The taller tower is also planned to have a publicly accessible roof garden and 360-degree viewing platform.
Gracechurch Street
We might have to wait a bit to see the new, taller Gracechurch Street, as its three proposed towers are still relatively early days. Construction at 70 Gracechurch Street is proposed to start in 2028 and will see a 33-storey tower being built on the current Marks and Spencer's site. Ten doors down at 60 Gracechurch Street a 36-storey commercial development has been approved, while 85 Gracechurch Street will see a 32=storey tower being built with views over Leadenhall Market.
Speaking of Leadenhall, planning permission for a new skyscraper at 100 Leadenhall Street has been approved. The tower will be around 56 storeys tall and has been nicknamed ‘The Diamond’, as its facade will be made up of hundreds of elongated diamond-shaped panels.
Fenchurch Street
Over at 50 Fenchurch Street a proposed tower will be just one storey shy of its neighbour the Walkie Talkie (20 Fenchurch Street) at 36 storeys tall when it is completed in 2028. The proposed plans promise views over the river and ‘vertical urban greening’. Fancy, eh?
Old Broad Street
55 Old Broad Street is getting a £500 million redevelopment and its new look will involve 270,000 square feet of office space spread across 23 storeys. Alongside the usual offices the proposals highlight plans to restore the Victorian bath house that sits at the center of the site and will be open to the public.
1 Undershaft
Proposals for 1 Undershaft (a new tower replacing what is currently St Helen’s tower) have been kicking about since 2015. At 73 storeys tall, 1 Undershaft will be as tall if not taller than the Shard and the proposals promise a viewing platform right at the top. You can find out more about the project here.
That might seem like enough construction to keep the whole city busy, but the Square Mile isn't the only place in London that's changing fast. Six hundred more skyscrapers are planned across London as a whole, including multiple mega-tall towers.
Get the latest and greatest from the Big Smoke – from news and reviews to events and trends. Just follow our Time Out London WhatsApp channel.
Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out London newsletter for the best of the city, straight to your inbox.