Foreign Property News | Posted by Hnin Ei Khin
The Mayor of London has rejected plans for the 305 metre Tulip Tower, which looks a bit like a sperm.
It would have been the second tallest building in western Europe, second only to the Shard at 310 metres.
The City of London had given the all clear for the skyscraper in April, despite objections over how it would impact the view of the Tower of London.
But Mayor Sadiq Khan has rejected the application for the site, describing it as ‘unwelcoming’.
A spokesman for Mr Khan said: ‘The Mayor has a number of serious concerns with this application and having studied it in detail has refused permission for a scheme that he believes would result in very limited public benefit.
‘In particular, he believes that the design is of insufficient quality for such a prominent location, and that the tower would result in harm to London’s skyline and impact views of the nearby Tower of London World Heritage Site.
‘The proposals would also result in an unwelcoming, poorly-designed public space at street level.’
The building designed by Foster + Partners was described as ‘truly unique’ by the City of London Corporation and was expected to attract 1.2 million people every year after opening in 2025 as planned.
The ‘bud’ at the top would have included 12 storeys including a viewing platform with rotating pods, a bar, a restaurant and an entire floor for education facilities.
Before Mr Khan’s intervention, Historic England chief executive Duncan Wilson said: ‘This building – a lift shaft with a bulge on top – would damage the very thing its developers claim they will deliver – tourism and views of London’s extraordinary heritage.
‘The setting of the Tower of London, a symbol of the city not just to millions of Londoners but to the whole world and one of our most visited places, will be harmed.
‘It has already been damaged by the Walkie Talkie and it would be a great shame if that mistake was repeated.’
Ref: Property Report
