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Norman Foster’s ‘The Tulip’ could bloom in central London
Rising from London’s financial district, Foster + Partners, with J. Safra Group, have proposed a radically new cultural attraction for the City of London: The Tulip.
Following London’s tendency to name buildings after what they look like, this new observation tower and education facility has a tall, slim, stem-like body, with a bulb that looks like a tulip bloom at the top.
Perhaps in spite of Brexit concerns, the capital continues to attract mega-projects like this, mostly financed by foreign companies and investment (J. Safra Group is based in Brazil).
The Tulip is planned to soar 1,000 ft (305.3 m) into the sky. Of all the existing, proposed, and under-construction buildings, the new tower would be the second tallest building in London, five metres short of The Shard.
Unusually for this area of London, the Tulip would have no office space at all. Instead, it would have an educational facility for local schools to use to learn about London’s history, restaurants, and a sky bar with 360-degree views of the city, internal glass slides, viewing galleries, and a gondola pod attraction.
Another interesting features about the Tulip is that landscaping will be irrigated from already used on site. The architects are aiming for an ‘excellent’ rating on the BREEAM sustainability scale.
The new entrance building won’t be for visitors of the Tulip, but will also enhance the space in and around the Gherkin, with the green roof being accessible for office workers. Half of the perimeter walls around the Gherkin will be removed.
The Tulip is intended to complement the City of London’s Culture Mile, located in the original square mile of the city. Other area amenities include the City of London Museum, the Barbican, and the London Symphony Orchestra.
The Tulip would be located on the same site as The Gherkin, an iconic contemporary skyscraper, but would nearly double the height. If all goes to plan, the Tulip will start construction in 2020 and open for visitors in 2025.
In late 2014, J. Safra Group, known for their private banks, bought The Gherkin from Deloitte for $700 million.
The Gherkin was also designed by Norman Foster, whose firm is also responsible for London City Hall, Millenium Bridge, and the upcoming Battersea Roof Gardens in phase 3 of Battersea Power Station.
Despite Brexit turbulence, foreign investors continue to invest and build in London. To gain a complete understanding of how you can benefit from residential development here and abroad, contact Copperstones on +44 203 888 5555, 08 445 555 555 or emailing info(at)copperstones(dotted)com
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