Tulip skyscraper given go-ahead to bloom over London

The City of London Corporation gave the go ahead to approve the development on 20 Bury Street.

At 305.3 metres high, it will be the second tallest building in Western Europe after the Shard and is anticipated to attract 1.2 million visitors per year.

The Tulip will include a viewing platform with rotating pods, a restaurant and sky bar, cycle parking and shower facilities, a park at street level and a publicly accessible rooftop terrace.

"After a lengthy and robust debate, the committee agreed to approve this truly unique visitor attraction. One of my key objectives... has been to enable the continued transformation of the City of London into a place which welcomes members of the public on weekends as during the week. This building has the potential to play an important role in realising our vision of the Square Mile as a vibrant 24/7 city". ' CHRIS HAYWARD, PLANNING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN

The Corporation's Planning and Transportation Committee voted by 18-7 to approve the project, despite concerns that it could impede views 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." ' DUNCAN WILSON, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF HISTORIC ENGLAND

Source: itv News

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