Images | How London’s skyline will look by 2026

2026 View from City Hall looking north (Credit – GMJ and City of London Corporation)

The City of London Corporation has released new images showing how the London skyline will look in 2026, following the construction of a cluster of new skyscrapers in the area.

Seven skyscrapers, including the 295m 22 Bishopsgate, are already under construction, with another six, including the 304.6m 1 Undershaft, which will be the tallest building in the City’s eastern cluster, have received planning consent but have not yet been commenced (see box below).

The images have been published as a range of policies that promise to redefine the City of London’s skyline.

2026 Waterloo Bridge view looking east (Credit – GMJ and City of London Corporation)

The Local Plan has identified seven key areas of change where the City Corporation will be promoting “sustainable growth”. One of the main areas of change will see the City Cluster grow to close the gap between the Walkie-Talkie and the rest of a cluster of towers.

The Plan’s development guidance will encourage more flexible and adaptable office floorspace, which will require all new developments to include a greening element and new walking routes through tall buildings will support more “animated” ground floor spaces.

2026 Aerial view looking west (Credit – GMJ and City of London Corporation)

Meanwhile the Transport Strategy will see pedestrians prioritised, the implementation of a 15mph speed limit, and deliveries reduced by 30% through consolidation centres based outside the City. Britain’s first largescale Zero Emission Zone covering the City Cluster has also been proposed.

2026 Fleet Street Ludgate Hill view looking east (Credit – GMJ and City of London Corporation)

Chris Hayward, chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee at the City of London Corporation, said: “These images remind us that the City’s skyscrapers are some of the most recognisable structures in the UK. But great cities are not made from great buildings alone.

“The ambitious policy proposals outlined in the Transport Strategy and the Local Plan aim to resolve challenges at street level, and in the river, air and open spaces, as well as ensuring that City buildings and infrastructure are more robust than ever.

“These plans will play a central part in shaping the future of the City of London therefore it is vital that we hear from the local residents, workers and key stakeholders that will be impacted.”

The Transport Strategy consultation closes on 13 January 2019. The final version of the Transport Strategy is due to be published in spring 2019.

The Local Plan is open for consultation until 28 February 2019.