London loves a skyscraper… Well, judging by the amount that have popped up in recent years, we certainly do! But this is just the beginning as there are a whole array of planned skyscraper projects, with numerous already under construction.
Over the last decade architects have taken inspiration from some pretty eccentric objects when shaping one of the world’s busiest cities. From a piece of broken glass (The Shard @ London Bridge), to food types (The Gherkin), and even food preparation equipment (the Cheese Grater), the fair people of London have seen it all! Or so they thought…
Here’s our pick of the five more interesting skyscraper projects currently under construction in London.
Height: 135 metres
Location: Stratford
Current Status: In construction
Completion date: Late 2018
As a part of the huge re-jig of the Stratford area following the London 2012 Olympics, Stratford International Station will also be the site of the Manhattan Loft Gardens, a fancy new apartment block aimed at wealthy city-workers.
Height: 190 metres
Location: The City of London
Current Status: In construction
Completion date: Early 2017
Sharp in design and subject, the scapel will prove to be an interesting focal point for the financial centre of London, whilst providing a counterpoint to the Cheese Grater which the site faces.
Height: 170 metres
Location: The Southbank (next to Blackfriars Bridge)
Current Status: In construction
Completion date: sometime in 2018
With a strange-looking boomerang aesthetic, One Blackfriars is set to dwarf the nearby Oxo Tower by standing at a height three times higher, along London’s Southbank.
Height: 150 metres
Location: Paddington
Current Status: Approved for construction
Completion date: 2020
Rumoured to be named ‘The Cucumber’, One Merchant Square is a key part of the rejuvenation works that are soon to commence at London’s Paddington station and its immediate surroundings.
Height: 200 metres
Location: Next to Battersea Power Station
Current Status: Approved for construction
Completion date: 2018
In one of London’s busiest areas for new construction, the twin towers of One Nine Elms will host 500 luxury apartments as well as a five star hotel.