Reffering to an annual skyscraper report by the New London Architecture (NLA) think tank, Europe may soon witness its version of Manhattan, Rzeczpospolita reports.
This development stems from ambitious initiatives in London, where plans are underway to construct up to 583 skyscrapers in the near future. The objective is to create a Manhattan-like skyline along the Thames, addressing gaps in the already crowded urban landscape.
Dubbed the “European Manhattan,” London’s ambitious project involves a significant increase in tall structures, surpassing the 270 skyscrapers erected in the city over the last decade. Driven by rising demands for both office and residential spaces, foreign investments, and favorable planning conditions, the capital is poised for transformative changes, as highlighted in the NLA report.
London’s endeavor to emulate “Manhattan on the Thames” gained momentum when the Southwark Council approved the construction of three towers along Blackfriars Road. These towers will contribute to a new skyscraper cluster near Bankside, joining other areas like Nine Elms, Wembley, White City, Acton, and Croydon where tall buildings have proliferated.
While specific details about the new skyscraper constructions in London remain scarce, it’s anticipated that a significant portion will be concentrated in the City, the historic financial district. The emphasis will be on providing green office spaces, responding to a surge in planning applications and approvals in the area.
Public sentiment regarding skyscrapers in London is mixed, with half of the population believing there are already too many in the city. This contrasts with the 2014 opinion, where only 32 percent shared similar views. This suggests a lingering skepticism among Britons towards high-rise structures, mirroring sentiments in other European cities where such developments are perceived to clash with historical architecture and city ambiance.
