Foster + Partners' proposal for the 305-metre-high, which will be the tallest structure, The Tulip’s future is set to be determined on April 2nd, 2019 following a meeting of the city’s planning and transportation committee.

"Founded fifty years ago in 1967 by Norman Foster; Foster + Partners - which is well-known known as a global studio for architecture, urbanism and design, rooted in sustainability-submitted a planning application to the City of London Corporation on 13 November 2018 for The Tulip, a new public visitor attraction reflects a desire to build public engagement within the City and enhance The Gherkin’s public offering."

Expected "the delivery of high quality public realm, including a new rooftop terrace and street-level ‘pocket park’ providing new landscaped amenity space for local workers, visitors and residents; the proposed development includes the demolition of an existing building and the construction of a building with an area of 470 square meters comprising a mixed-use visitor attraction including viewing areas at levels 4-7 and a ‘Sui Generis' education facility at level 3, restaurant/bar at levels 8-12 together with a retail unit at ground and basement level."

Whilst a 152-page planning report has attracted "a number of objections including from Historic Royal Palaces and Historic England and advice from Greater London Authority on the condition that the proposal results in harm to the setting and to the significance of the World Heritage Site of the Tower of London, a number of representations are in support of the project as it provides the City and London with a new iconic building."

Having said that 'the project is very finely balanced,' the officials has convinced that "the development is significant in terms of its local and wider impacts and in particular it is less than substantial harm to the World Heritage Site."

"Virtually no major development proposal is in complete compliance with all policies," and the report placed its considerations that; 'The Tulip' "adds to and diversifies the City's visitor offer and both, directly and indirectly, supports the City's aspirations and thus would help to boost London's tourist offer and economy and would draw people into the City who would not otherwise be drawn to it and thereby benefits the wider UK economy."

Be satisfied that The Tulip promises wide cultural and economic benefits with a diverse programme of events and it has a purpose that it aimed a visitor attraction-which is an estimated 1.2 million visitors per year."

The Group explained that “its height and location will provide incomparable views of the London skyline and the activities within will offer guests a memorable experience.”

"The viewing galleries will offer visitors an engaging experience with sky bridges, internal glass slides and gondola pod rides on the building’s façade that will appeal to people across all age groups. Visitors will benefit from interactive materials and briefings from expert guides about the history of London. Complementing the experience will be a sky bar and restaurants with 360-degree views of the city."

Appreciated that the project’s education facility for 40,000 of London's state school children free of charge each year, which would also be available for community and educational use, is a significant benefit of the proposal enabling each London school child to visit once in their school.

"A classroom in the sky', the education facility within the top of The Tulip, aim to deliver national curriculum topics using innovative tools to bring to life the city’s history and dynamism, inspiring the creative young minds of tomorrow.”

Jacob J. Safra in the Group said: "We are delighted to benefit from the exceptional talent of Foster + Partners in bringing to London this world-class visitor attraction. The Tulip’s elegance and soft strength complement the iconic Gherkin. We are confident in London’s role as a global city and are proud to offer its schoolchildren a state-of-the-art classroom in the sky to appreciate London’s history and dynamism."

Impressed as an outstanding venue to host cultural, educational, business and technology events, it is expected that The Tulip seeks to extend the site’s public realm further together with the significant economic and social benefits.

"Continuing the pioneering award-winning design of Gherkin, The Tulip is in the spirit of London as a progressive, forward-thinking city. It offers significant benefits to Londoners and visitors as a cultural and social landmark with unmatched educational resources for future generations," said Norman Foster, Founder and Executive Chairman, Foster + Partners.

A new pocket park is proposed alongside a two-storey pavilion offering a publicly accessible rooftop garden. Together with green walls, this increases the site’s green surface area by 8.5 times, supporting the Mayor’s goal for London to be the world’s first National Park City. Public access will also be considerably improved with the removal of over half of the existing perimeter walls around The Gherkin.

Subject to the planning approval process, construction on The Tulip that is believed to be "an elegant design that complements the iconic Gherkin and makes a positive architectural contribution to the London skyline," could begin in 2020 with completion projected for 2025.

All Renders/Images © DBOX for Foster + Partners

All drawings © Foster + Partners, courtesy of City of London Corporation

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