The iconic skyline of the City of London will change dramatically over the next few years, as 13 planned skyscrapers go up within the Square Mile.
The City Corporation says the business district needs 1.2 million square metres (nearly 13 million square feet) of additional office space by 2040 to remain globally competitive. To meet this goal, it’s supporting the retrofitting and expansion of existing office stock while also granting planning permission to ambitious new schemes, especially in the Eastern City Cluster around Leadenhall Street, St Mary Axe, and Bishopsgate.
Here’s a sneak peek of five towers that may dominate the City in 2030 and beyond. Some are nearing completion, with tenants agreed, while others are still jockeying for planning approval.
1. 1 Undershaft
Developer Aroland Holdings is preparing to break ground on London’s second-tallest skyscraper, at 1 Undershaft. When complete in 2030, it will soar to 294m, just shy of the Shard’s 310m, a major presence between the Cheesegrater and Gherkin, and offer around 1.7m sq.ft. of office space.
2. 99 Bishopsgate
Approved earlier this year, 99 Bishopsgate will top out at 238 metres and offer 340,000 sq.ft. of office space. It will limit emissions by using around half of the foundations of the existing 1970s office block on the site.
3. 100 Leadenhall
Nicknamed the Diamond for its patterned glass facade and designed by the architecture firm behind the Burj Khalif and One World Trade Centre, 100 Leadenhall will rise to 263 metres when it opens later this decade and contain 1m sq.ft. of office space.
4. 55 Bishopsgate
The 63-storey planned tower at 55 Bishopsgate will be the City’s third largest at its projected opening in 2029 and provide 800,000 sq.ft. of office space—enough for 7,000 workers.
5. 1 Moor Lane
The City recently approved the sustainability-focused retrofit of an office block near the Barbican. 1 Moor Lane will contain 300,000 sq.ft. of office space, 50% more than the existing structure, along with landscaped terraces and wellness facilities for workers.