The changing landscape of London

ADMIRALTY, Hong Kong - Jan. 10, 2014 - PRLog -- As of late, London has always been considered a city that is made up of low-rise developments, governed by history and appreciation of British heritage.  A 14 storey building is considered to be tall. Despite the unstable economic conditions, at present London is driven by growing foreign interest and pressure to build and construct homes and offices at astounding rates.

In the past five years, London’s population has increased by 600,000. The city is under immense pressure to produce and accommodate outstanding buildings for future and present growth. In essence, what is being built is the foundation to London’s future.

To the East presents financial district of London, Canary Wharf. Home to 14,000,000 square feet of world’s leading organisations consisting of banks and professional services. You will find Barclays, HSBC, J.P.Morgan and the likes here. Located on the Isle of Dogs, the scheme provides a spark amongst the vivacity of notable London history in the mere distance.

From this, we will observe rail networks, new office buildings and residential flats forming the new generation of infrastructure that has seen billions of pounds being poured into London. Look at The Shard, the 103 metre building opened in 2012 has added to the cluster of London skyscrapers. A building that is leading the London’s future is not only the tallest building in London by far but is also currently the tallest building in the European Union. Furthermore, the cluster also includes 20 Fenchurch Street also known as “The Walkie Talkie” proudly standing at 160 m. With The Pinnacle (formerly the Bishopsgate Tower) at 288 m. There is definitely an air of growing number of skyscrapers welcoming onto the London skyline.A building that is leading the London’s future is not only the tallest building in London by far but is also currently the tallest building in the European Union. Furthermore, the cluster also includes 20 Fenchurch Street also known as “The Walkie Talkie” proudly standing at 160 m. With The Pinnacle (formerly the Bishopsgate Tower) at 288 m. There is definitely an air of growing number of skyscrapers welcoming onto the London skyline.

This new trend for London has meant new set of standards and expectations of what modern architecture London can bring. From glistening glass apartments to fancy and glitzy office buildings to new sports grounds, hospitals and schools. London will witness over 120 new projects over the next few years. It is a sure fire way London is proving to competing centres.

One of the major developments that will help shape the London skyline will be One Nine Elms, a twin-tower development in Vauxhall which will be the UK’s tallest residential skyscraper when completed in 2017. Providing offices, retail and a hotel standing at 200 metres, this Vauxhall situated development will be act as the hub  of the largest regeneration scheme London will witness.

Unlike other cities, London contains strict planning restrictions especially on the heights of new-builds in order to protect its wealth of historic features. Similar to each skyscraper serving it’s own purpose, each historic element contains a patriotic story London is proud to show. To this day, it is made sure that these are not hidden as it stands as part of the British skyline. It is what makes London’s skyline different; a tale of old and new.

Whilst most are excited to witness the changes of manifestations of wealth climb the skyline. However, not everybody agrees with this change and are somewhat sceptical on how it will effect London with it’s proud history. State-of-the-art contemporary glass buildings high up next to old heroic elements that make great tourist attractions, how will London look in 10 years? Despite the constant debates about the opposing views London may bring, but the change is definitely coming.  Whether one likes it or not.