The Tulip skyscraper approved despite concerns over Tower of London ‘harm’

A skyscraper that will become the second-tallest building in western Europe has been approved for London’s financial district.

“The Tulip”, which is planned for a site on Bury Street in the City of London, is expected to attract around 1.2 million people annually.

It will include a viewing platform with rotating pods, a restaurant and sky bar, rooftop terrace, and space for education and community groups.

The 305m-high building would include a pavilion housing the main entrance where visitors’ tickets could be checked, and the stem would have lifts and stairs to reach the upper floors.

A number of groups had objected to the proposal, with concerns about the impact on views of the nearby Tower of London.

Duncan Wilson, chief executive of Historic England, 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.”

Historic Royal Places went further, saying The Tulip would “cause serious harm” to the tower’s status.

The Borough of Tower Hamlets, the nearby synagogue and the Diocese of London also objected.

The Square Mile’s governing body said that, while the case was “finely balanced”, it hoped the public benefits and planning conditions would outweigh any negatives.

Planning conditions would include limiting vehicle deliveries at busy times, restricting ticket sales to avoid crowding and “stringent” security measures.

In recommending the proposal, the City of London Corporation’s planners said: “The development is significant in terms of its local and wider impacts and in particular its less than substantial harm to the World Heritage Site.

“Taking all material matters into consideration, I am of the view that…the public benefits of the proposal nevertheless outweigh the priority given to the development plan and other material considerations against the proposals.”

The scheme was approved by the corporation’s planning and transportation committee after a vote of 18-7

Planning committee chairman, Chris Hayward, said: “After a lengthy and robust debate, the committee agreed to approve this truly unique visitor attraction.”

Mr Hayward said he aimed to show the City of London could welcome members of the public “on weekends as during the week”.

He added: “This building has the potential to play an important role in realising our vision of the Square Mile as a vibrant 24/7 city.”

The committee’s approval is the final step although, as with any major scheme, the Greater London Authority now has 14 days to establish its position.

Foster + Partners have said work could begin as early as next year with completion set for 2025.

(c) Sky News 2019: The Tulip skyscraper approved despite concerns over Tower of London ‘harm’