How new skyscrapers will change City skyline by mid 2020s

The City of London Corporation has released new images visualising the Square Mile’s skyline by the mid 2020 following the addition of several more skyscrapers.

The new images capture all major developments approved by the City Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee over the past 12 months including 50 Fenchurch Street, 55 Gracechurch Street, 60 Aldgate High Street, 70 Gracechurch Street and 2-3 Finsbury Avenue.

The majority of these tall buildings fall within the ‘City Cluster’ area, located in the eastern corner of the Square Mile.

The City Cluster is set to grow to close the gap between the ‘Walkie-Talkie’ and the group of towers, while introducing more “animated” ground floor spaces, the Corporation said. Changes will also include pedestrian priority areas, a push for off-site consolidation and the re-timing of freight and deliveries outside of peak hours.

Key development guidance included in the Corporation’s City Plan 2036 encourages urban greening, new pedestrian routes through tall buildings and the inclusion of flexible and adaptable office floorspace.

Chair of the Planning and Transportation Committee at the City of London Corporation, Alastair Moss, said: “These new CGI images clearly illustrate that the City office is here to stay, and the future of the Square Mile remains bright.

“The support shown from developers and investors who remain committed to providing world-leading office space in the City of London has been phenomenal. These developers have embraced trends – such as flexible workspace, world-class additions to the public realm and including an array of wellness practices such as greening – to ensure office buildings in the City remain fit for the future.

“As we look towards the recovery from the pandemic, our planning pipeline is extremely busy with the anticipation of a swift return to the City as the leading place for business in a world-class environment.

“We have every confidence in a thriving and sustainable Square Mile, and these new images give a glimpse into the next chapter of the City of London.”

The City of London Corporation’s planning team is currently discussing a six further tall building (of over 75m) applications.