If the Shard is becoming complacent in its status as London’s tallest building, a new generation of giants is about to snap at its heels.
The City of London has approved a 285m glass tower which, for want of a nickname, is currently known as 55 Bishopsgate and will put the nearby 180m-high Gherkin in the shade when it opens in 2029.
The £600 million, 63-storey tower will become the third-highest skyscraper in the City and work could begin as early as next year after planning objections that it could harm the view from St Paul’s were dismissed. Number 55 could also get a sky garden to rival that of the Walkie-Talkie, another nearby skyscraper.
It is one of a non-related family of eight giants that could be springing up in the Square Mile over the next few years. It’s all despite the pandemic leading more white-collar staff to swap offices for hot desking or home working.
Shravan Joshi, chairman of the City’s planning and transportation committee, told the Standard: “They are all substantial buildings that will change the skyline of the City once more — or add to it.”
The eight applications also include a 32-storey tower at Gracechurch Street, beside Leadenhall Market. All eight are at least 75m tall.
The area will continue to be served by Liverpool Street railway station, which itself could be getting a head for heights — although that is another stor(e)y.
Until the great eight — as they have never been called — spring up, here are London’s 10 highest buildings.
London’s top 10 highest structures
1. The Shard (completed 2012) — 87 floors and 310m high
The gargantuan site at London Bridge also has the distinction of being the tallest building in the UK and has a mixed use of office, commercial, and retail space.
2. 22 Bishopsgate (2019) — 62 floors and 278m high
When #55 is constructed, this office block will lose its title as the tallest in the City of London and even the tallest on its street.
3. One Canada Square (1991) — 50 floors and 235m high
Canary Wharf’s signature office block had the title of London’s tallest building for 21 years.
4. Landmark Pinnacle (2020) — 75 floors and 233m high
The highest-ranking residential building on this list is also at Canary Wharf.
5. Heron Tower (2011) — 46 floors and 230m high
Another entry in the City of London, the tower is 202m at roof height but gets into the top 10 thanks to its 28m mast.
6. 122 Leadenhall Street (2014) — 46 floors and 225m high
The Cheesegrater, as it is known, is another office block in the City of London.
7. Newfoundland (2019) — 60 floors and 220m high
Another Canary Wharf tower, this one is a residential offering that borders the Isle of Dogs.
8. Crystal Palace Transmitter (1950) — 220m high
For a long time, the highest structure in London, the Crystal Palace landmark remains the most important transmitter in the UK in terms of population covered.
9. South Quay Plaza 1 (2020) — 68 floors and 215m high
To the immediate south of Canary Wharf’s financial district, the building is part of a whole network that will be completed in 2028.
10. One Park Drive (2021) — 57 floors and 205m high
The flat block contains 484 private residences and construction began in 2016.
