London’s skyline is set to undergo a dramatic transformation with the addition of 11 new skyscrapers by 2030, according to computer-generated images released by the City of London Corporation. These images showcase major developments that have been approved in the past year, highlighting the city’s strong focus on development.
The City of London Corporation reported a significant increase in planning applications received and decided, with a 25% rise compared to the previous year. The AI-generated images depict 11 skyscrapers that are either under construction, have received consent, or are awaiting permission to begin construction.
Most of these new buildings will join the existing City Cluster area in the eastern corner of London’s Square Mile, which already boasts iconic skyscrapers. This area is also experiencing a growing population of city workers, with an increase of 29,000 people since 2021, bringing the total number of workers to around 617,000.
To accommodate this expanding workforce, the City Corporation is also negotiating proposals to add over 500,000 square meters of office space, equivalent to approximately 70 football pitches, to the city. The demand for high-quality, sustainable office space remains high, and a joint report from engineering consultant company Arup and estate agents Knight Frank suggests a need for an additional 1.2 million square meters of office space in London by 2040.
In addition to providing office space, the City Cluster will also benefit from new pedestrian routes, urban green spaces, retail and food outlets, as well as educational, cultural, and heritage spaces to celebrate the capital’s rich history.
Recent additions to the Square Mile’s skyline include 8 Bishopsgate, also known as The Lookout, and 22 Bishopsgate, Europe’s tallest free viewing gallery. These new skyscrapers have already attracted over 70,000 visitors to their public viewing galleries in just two months since opening.
Shravan Joshi, Chair of the Planning and Transportation Committee at the City of London Corporation, emphasized that the real estate sector in the Square Mile continues to thrive despite external economic concerns. He stated that the CGI images demonstrate the ever-changing nature of London’s skyline and affirm the City’s commitment to creating a culturally vibrant and inclusive environment.
The 11 new skyscrapers set to join London’s skyline by 2030 include prominent developments such as 2 Finsbury Avenue, 8 Bishopsgate, 1 Leadenhall Street, 1 Undershaft, 100 Leadenhall Street, 70 Gracechurch Street, 55 Gracechurch Street, 50 Fenchurch Street, 55 Bishopsgate, 85 Gracechurch Street, and 40 Leadenhall Street. Each building brings unique features and designs, contributing to the city’s architectural diversity.
With its ambitious plans for development, London’s skyline will undoubtedly be transformed over the coming years. These new skyscrapers are not only set to reshape the city’s physical landscape but also provide the infrastructure needed to support the increasing population of city workers while meeting the demand for sustainable office space. London is poised to remain a global hub for business and innovation, with a skyline worthy of its status as a leading city.
