Among a sea of skyscrapers, one new, small fry is set to rise above the school of tall buildings and tower above the majority.
55 Bishopsgate is set to house a brand new glass skyscraper – one that will claim the title of London’s third or fourth highest (depending on the status of the 1 Undershaft scheme) – after plans were approved last week (July 21).
Should the plans go ahead, construction on the 284-metre building could begin in 2024 and, once complete, will be one of Europe’s tallest.
What is the 55 Bishopsgate scheme?
The newly-approved 55 Bishopsgate scheme would be made up of a 63-storey and a 22-storey “mixed-use buildings”. It is set to offer a free-to-visit rooftop with a leafy garden to provide a space for both relaxation and educational events.
There are also plans for a platform at the top of the building that offers 360-degree views around the city of London. According to the Government website, the space would be open 24/7, and deliver a space for events, pop-ups, art installations, and more.
Should the project go ahead, it is hoped that construction will begin in 2024, with a view to being completed in 2029.
Speaking on the project, Shraven Joshi, Chairman of the City of London Corporation Planning and Transport Committee, said: “I am delighted to see the 55 Bishopsgate scheme granted planning permission which sets a high bar for others to follow.
“The free, public viewing gallery and external platform will deliver an exciting and inclusive resource for all to enjoy, bringing us closer to our Destination City vision to transform the Square Mile into a seven-day-a-week visitor destination.”
As with any news about a garish new building, not everyone is jumping for joy. A large concern came from St Paul’s Cathedral and Historic England, who argued that the new scheme would detract from the heritage of the area in which Sir Christopher Wren’s iconic landmark stands
Now that the plans have been approved, they will be passed on to London Mayor Sadiq Khan, who will decide whether to intervene.
Read more about the 55 Bishopsgate project here.