FUTURE CITY SKYLINE
Steve Watts, Cost Consultant, Turner & Townsend
Compared to last year, tall building planning applications are up but consents are considerably down, which suggests that there are many applications in the system awaiting a decision. We are certainly aware that there are some high-profile tower projects that have been consented for periods that are long enough to question whether their designs are now relevant and competitive as they perhaps once were.
Alan Shingler, Partner, Sheppard Robson
Alongside the number of planned tall buildings, it is important to measure the number of homes that would not be delivered if these tall buildings were not realised. We must address our housing crisis while also ensuring our tall buildings are designed well, appreciating how high-density development can benefit the existing neighbouring community as well as the new.
Callum Tuckett, Managing Director UK, Multiplex
As a global construction company that specialises in building complex, high-rise buildings, the latest GLA data and upward trends in terms of planning applications make for very positive reading. For our industry, this represents significant opportunity and challenge. We need to remain laser focused on efficient design, and designing towers to be constructed efficiently. This will enable us to innovate in delivery, and ultimately meet the construction demands in the city.”
Danny Brumby, Business Development & Strategic Account Director, Otis
As cities grow taller, smart technology is transforming high-rise maintenance, ensuring safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Lifts, the lifelines of tall buildings, benefit from IoT and predictive maintenance, enabling real-time diagnostics and reducing downtime. Instead of reactive repairs, remote monitoring prevents failures before they happen, improving reliability and user experience. As greener, smarter developments take shape, leveraging technology to optimise building operations will be crucial in maintaining the long-term viability and appeal of high-rise structures.
Elizabeth Oliveira, Senior Development Manager, Muse
The need for development, which is sympathetic to local areas and their communities is acute throughout London. This will entail height, density and scale, where appropriate. The latest tall buildings study nods to this with planning applications increasing. However, we all have an obligation to London to ensure that these applications (where appropriate) convert into the homes we so desperately need.
Tall Buildings
11 March 2025
NLA's Expert panel on tall buildings have investigated how old and new buildings have performed against a list of specific criteria, and how they are positively contributing to the city.
Read moreTall Buildings
Wednesday 11 June 2025
18:15 - 20:15
Join this NLA Debate to discuss key issues surrounding the future of Tall Buildings in London.
Under Construction
Westmark is the landmark residential tower within the West End Gate development in Marylebone. The 30 storey tower uses a palette of brick, stone and bronze to create a rhythm across the façade.
View projectPlanning Granted
The repositioning of Portland House demonstrates exemplary standards in the renovation of existing structures in terms of energy performance and wellbeing.
View projectPlanning Granted
1 Undershaft is located at the heart of the 'Eastern Cluster' of the City of London at the junction of St Mary Axe and Leadenhall Street. When constructed it will be the tallest building in the City.
View projectUnder Construction
Abbey Place aims to establish a bold set-piece of high-quality buildings in conjunction with the forthcoming Crossrail Station and regeneration of Thamesmead estate, providing 72% affordable housing.
View projectBuilt
Balfron Tower, designed by Ernö Goldfinger’s, had fallen into disrepair. Developer, Telford Homes, alongside Studio Egret West has brought it into the 21st Century.
View projectBuilt
52 Lime Street, The Scalpel, is a striking new office tower and a considered addition to the skyline, working in conversation with its neighbours to strengthen the composition of the City Cluster.
View projectNews
Keep and Add: Seventy Gracechurch
In the leadup to NLA’s Tall Buildings Conference, John Bushell, Principal at Kohn Pederson Fox discusses the “Keep an ad...
Read moreNews
Standing the Test of Time: Best Practice Lessons from London’s Tall Buildings
NLA's Expert panel on tall buildings have investigated how old and new buildings have performed against a list of specif...
Read moreInsight
London's Growing Up: A Decade of Building Tall
Delving into a decade of building tall, this anniversary edition sheds light on how tall buildings have transformed Lond...
Read more