Do you know where the tallest buildings in London are located? Do you know that London boasts of some of the world’s tallest buildings?
No doubt about it, London is one of the world’s most diverse cities. From Polish to Brazilians, Malawians and Norwegians, London is home to all.
In essence, the city of London is like a “world in one city” if you ask me.
Furthermore, London is one of the busiest and mostly populated cities not only in Europe but also in the world.
Additionally, London is a city to be for cheap holidays in Britain. The city offers everything holidaymakers would want to see and enjoy.
In fact, it prides itself as a home to so many architectural masterpieces both vintage and modern.
Tallest buildings in London
So, where are the tallest buildings in London? Where are the architectural masterpieces that make London stands out as one of the best cities in the world?
Most of London’s tallest buildings are situated in prime locations. Also, they are predominantly used as office buildings for multinational corporations. Below are some of the tallest buildings in London:
#1]. The Shard, London Bridge
Arguably the tallest building in Western Europe, with a crystalline façade that transforms the London skyline with a multi-use 310 m (1,016 ft) vertical city. The Shard comprises high-quality offices, three world-class restaurants – aqua shard, Oblix and Hutong.
Also, it houses the 5-star Shangri-La hotel, exclusive residential apartments and the capital’s highest public viewing gallery, The View from The Shard. The Shard at London Bridge Quarter has redefined London’s skyline as it becomes a symbol for the capital, recognisable throughout the world.
Year of completion: 2012
Building’s Height:
At 1,016ft (310m), The Shard is the tallest building in the European Union. Also, it’s the second-tallest free-standing structure in Britain (after the 330-metre Emley Moor transmitting station).
#3]. Heron Tower, Bishopsgate
The building was completed in 2011, despite opposition from English Heritage, due to its proximity to St Paul’s Cathedral.
Heron Tower was designed to feature a concierge-style entrance and reception area, incorporating a 70,000-litre aquarium. It’s the largest privately owned example in the United Kingdom – containing around 1,200 fish (over 60 species).
Furthermore, part of the ground and first floors of the building is occupied by a bar-restaurant called The Drift. Also, there is a restaurant and “sky bar” on floors 38–40 – situated 175 metres (574 ft) above the City and accessed by scenic lifts.
Year of completion: 2011
Building’s Height:
At 755ft (230m) tall, including its 28-metre (92 ft) mast, Heron Tower is the tallest building in the City of London and the third tallest in Greater London.
#4]. 8 Canada Square, Canary Wharf
Sometimes referred to as HSBC Tower because it serves as the global headquarters of the HSBC Group, 8 Canada Square is a skyscraper located at Canary Wharf in London Docklands, Borough of Tower Hamlets.
HSBC Tower’s construction began in 1999 and was completed in 2002. It is surrounded by other tall buildings such as One Canada Square; and the Citigroup Centre, which forms the British head office of Citigroup.
The building is also next door to Bank of America. The tower is not open to the public.
Year of completion: 2012
Building’s Height:
The building which is made up of 42 floors in the 200 metres (656 ft) high tower, is the joint fourth tallest in the United Kingdom with the nearby Citigroup Centre, and the second tallest in Canary Wharf after One Canada Square.
#5]. Tower 24, Broad Street
Sometimes referred to as NatWest Tower, Tower 42 is the second-tallest skyscraper in the City of London and the seventh tallest in Greater London.
Standing tall at 600ft (183m), Tower 42 is the 39th-tallest building in Europe and the sixth-tallest building in the UK. The tower was originally named the National Westminster Tower, having been built to house the National Westminster Bank’s international division.
The building was formally opened in 1981 by Queen Elizabeth II. It held the status of the tallest building in the City of London for 30 years until it was surpassed by the Heron Tower in December 2009.
Year of completion: 1980
Building’s Height:
At 600ft (183m) high, the former National Westminster Tower was London’s tallest building for 30 years, until the construction of One Canada Square.
An exceedingly helpful list of the tallest edifices! I have tweeted this. Several thanks for sharing!