I will be VERY disappointed if this is limited to 95m. They should be encouraging a building in the 120m - 140m (or even higher!) range, IMHO.
I agree with all the other design stipulations they are talking about for this (glass not concrete, tower up against Ridout, narrow SQUARE floorplate, get rid of the slab parking, etc.), but this is the PRIME lot for something really tall.
Imagine how the 'face' of downtown (which to me is the view from the west, with the forks of the Thames at the fore) would look with a 45+ story, well designed, single tower as the focal point. It would give us a much more identifiable skyline. Otherwise, we're going to get a 'clump' of buildings around the same size - something we have way too much of. It may as well be the third twin to the Renascence towers if they make this one the same size.
The taller this project (and any other new ones are ) the better the chances of a downtown grocery store, and an overall increase in vibrancy and 'life' in the core.
London just refuses to think big. JLC only 9,000 seats (should have been 11,000 to 12,000), a new Preforming Arts Centre that would only have 1400 seats (as opposed to say a 2000 seat Bass Hall in Fort Worth - look it up, its spectacular!), and this at only 95m.
This city refuses to step up, stand out and inspire. That is a big part of why people leave and businesses overlook us when choosing locations.
And as for the owners of Renascence condos complaining about losing their views? What a spoiled lot! They expected that nothing tall would go on that site, and they think
they should be 'guaranteed' a permanent view? Hypocrites didn't much care when their building blocked out the south view from the north tower!
I'm afraid this will be another 'typical London under-build' and a real missed opportunity.
HS
Quote:
Originally Posted by MrSlippery519
Certainly a great spot for a new development there, i am not sure I understand that height cap of 95m to keep it in line with the Renaissance towers though?
Hope this gets built and hope they push it past 1000, they are talking about the importance with the forks, etc so make the tower a staple to downtown.
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