Could London become ‘Manhattan-on-Thames’? ...The Standard podcast
A report suggests London is on course to become something of a “Manhattan-on-Thames” as almost 600 more future skyscrapers are planned to cram into gaps of the capital’s crowded historic skyline.
The 10th annual tall buildings report from think-tank New London Architecture finds there are 583 tall buildings of more than 20 storeys that authors describe as “queuing up in the pipeline”.
According to the NLA, that’s more than twice as many compared to 270 built over the past decade.
In this episode of The Standard podcast, we’ll look at the new hotspots and their impact on the fabric of London’s traditional architecture.
Because along with the Square Mile, other areas where tall buildings have mushroomed in recent years include Nine Elms, Wembley, White City, Acton and Croydon.
There is also a growing trend towards high-rise student accommodation, while demand for residential towers has slowed as the property market lost steam in an era of higher interest rates and construction costs.
The NLA report says the tall building boom was initially unleashed by the first Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, but has continued unabated under both his successors, Boris Johnson and Sadiq Khan.
Plus, stay tuned for part two, where we’ll discuss Gordon Ramsay’s plans to create the BT Tower’s successor as London’s highest restaurant.
Meanwhile on Savile Row, there’s disquiet among the famous tailors over Westminster Council’s pushback against redevelopment of an old police station that businesses are eager to see go ahead.
From the newsroom, join Evening Standard business editor Jonathan Prynn in conversation with Mark Blunden.
Listen above, or wherever you find your podcasts.
