Skyscraper Update: Heron Tower Becomes Tallest In City

M@
By M@ Last edited 171 months ago
Skyscraper Update: Heron Tower Becomes Tallest In City
15735_heronbishopsgate.jpg
This corner view shows the distinctive diagonal bracing that, along with the spire, will be its most recognisable feature.
This corner view shows the distinctive diagonal bracing that, along with the spire, will be its most recognisable feature.
This corner view shows something of the different types of cladding used on the facade.
This corner view shows something of the different types of cladding used on the facade.
From Liverpool Street station on Bishopsgate, the tower dominates the road.
From Liverpool Street station on Bishopsgate, the tower dominates the road.
Image by Joe Dunckley
Image by Joe Dunckley
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From Hay's Wharf, the tower just pokes above nearby plantation house. It's one of four buildings here (with Plantation, Gherkin and Willis buildings) not present when the decade began.
From Hay's Wharf, the tower just pokes above nearby plantation house. It's one of four buildings here (with Plantation, Gherkin and Willis buildings) not present when the decade began.

The City of London has a new tallest building. The Heron Tower, at 110 Bishopsgate, has reportedly surpassed Tower 42 to become the loftiest in the Square Mile. When it tops out, presumably in just a matter of weeks, the roof will stand at 202.5 metres, compared with the 183 metres of Tower 42. And once it is crowned with a lance-like spire, Heron will soar to 246 metres, beating the height of even 1 Canada Square.

It's a little bit grey and a trifle dull at this stage, and Heron will never match the gherkin or even 1 Canada Square as an iconic building. But renders of the completed structure do suggest a reasonably handsome and well-proportioned addition to the skyline. As the main shot above attests, this one's going to look its best at night.

Tomorrow, we'll check out progress on the Pinnacle next door, and then the Shard at London Bridge on Wednesday.

Last Updated 28 December 2009