London is the place to be. The city is a mix of skyscrapers and traditional/historical buildings. But, like most cities in the UK, it’s almost overrun with skyscrapers.
Over the past several decades, London has transformed dramatically. Yes, buildings like St. Paul’s Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament are still popular. But more people are turning their heads towards the skies. From The Shard to the Sky Pod Bar in the Sky Garden (London’s highest garden), people want something new and exciting to look at.
Read on to learn how the transformation happened.
The UK’s Growing Economy
Let’s start with something slightly less entertaining – the UK’s economy. Think what you want of it – there was obviously enough money to build these massive structures. Well, that’s almost a lie – many skyscrapers were invested in and designed by companies overseas. And it’s not a surprise – it’s a globally recognized financial centre.
The city’s GDP accounts for approximately 22% of the UK’s total economic output, highlighting its role in the national economy. Over the past decade, London’s economy has grown by an average of 2.5% per year.
Government initiatives – like the Investment in Infrastructure plan – have also led to economic expansion by improving transport links. These improvements make London even more attractive to multinational corporations and startups.
London’s status as a top global city for foreign direct investment (FDI) also shows its economic flourish. Essentially, London becoming a business hub is the reason for the rise (pun intended) in skyscrapers.
In 2023, the city attracted over 400 foreign investment projects. Not that they will all be skyscrapers, but some of them will be.
The Demand for Office Space
With London hosting over one million private sector businesses, the highest in the United Kingdom, the demand for office space has skyrocketed. The city’s status as a global financial centre attracts multinational corporations, startups, and everything in between, creating a robust market for office real estate.
This demand has driven the construction of numerous skyscrapers, particularly in areas like Canary Wharf and the City of London, known for their high-density, high-efficiency office environments.
Better Supplies and Building Systems
London always wants to build higher. And, if you go to the centre of London, you’ll notice the quality of the buildings is improving. The designs are more innovative, and the quality just looks better.
Why? The natural progression towards more advanced materials and systems is creating better structures. We’re pushing the boundaries of design and building. Innovations like precast dock leveller systems and sophisticated modular construction techniques make safer and more cost-effective construction of skyscrapers. Click here for more information.
You can definitely see London is continuing to grow upwards – the reliance on these advanced materials and systems means new skyscrapers are built to the highest standards of safety and sustainability. Plans aren’t slowing down. The Square Mile (financial district) will soon get 11 new towers.
Tourism and Urban Appeal
London’s skyscrapers are a massive part of its tourism sector. One million people went to see The Shard in its first year of opening. The skyscrapers are becoming tourist attractions in their own right. These structures make London’s profile a must-visit destination. London is one big collection of cool things to look at.
London was the third most-visited city worldwide in 2023, with 37.5 million visitors by the end of 2023.
London is a global business epicentre – known as the leading centre for money markets, international trading, and insurance. And these business industries are constantly expanding, especially in areas like Canary Wharf. It’s one of the cities that touches the sky and never sleeps. We guarantee there will be more skyscrapers this year. Head to London, and you can see the construction in the making.
