What's happening in the City of London

Open House London showcases great design in every London borough. Click here to find out what you can see in the City of London this year.

Below, you can find out all about the local context of this borough's architecture, areas undergoing change and projects under construction.

The City of London – where the past and future meet

This City’s position as a leading centre for international finance and business services means it can never stand still. To keep its status it must continually keep abreast of the latest developments and this includes design and architecture.

As the planning authority for the Square Mile, the City of London Corporation helps shape the City and its unique environment.

The City looks for cutting edge design in new buildings that meets the needs of modern business while protecting our existing, much-loved architecture - whether historic or contemporary.

This has resulted in a fascinating mix of the best of the old with the best of the new, concentrated in one Square Mile.

Over the centuries many of the City’s buildings have become icons, not just of London but of the country as a whole. These range from the majesty of St Paul’s Cathedral to the heights of the Monument. Even the City’s more recent buildings, either already constructed or in the pipeline, continue to challenge opinions and have become milestones in design in their own right. These include the Lloyd’s building and 30 St Mary Axe (more commonly known as the Gherkin).

This is a particularly exciting time for architecture in the City with many new projects underway. The Heron Tower on Bishopsgate has become the tallest building in the City while One New Change forms part of the retail expansion on Cheapside. Both feature new public and green spaces that everyone can enjoy and which enhance the overall City environment

A dedicated visitor website has been created for the City. This includes a specific section focused on architecture along with suggested walks to explore them in more detail.

Go to www.visitthecity.co.uk/architecture

 

 

Newsletter

Sign up for our e-newsletter

Email:  

City of London architecture showcased in Open House London 2011

 

2010 Highlights

A visitor said: “There is so much to see in the City of London and it is changing steadily. I love most of the modern architecture and the green areas. I also like to
see the working areas inside the office buildings”

A visitor to 120 Fleet Street (ex Daily Express) said: “The Ex Daily Express building is absolutely stunning. I think architecture absolutely controls the way one feels about a place-hence why people fall in love with Bath and Edinburgh in particular. It is interesting to find
out whether the interiors live up to the promise of the exteriors and also to find some hidden gems”

A visitor to another building said: “The enthusiasm of the people at Waterman’s Hall was wonderful”

Another visitor said: “I love to see the juxtaposition of old & new architectural styles in the City. They contract & enhance each other. It’s lovely to hear someone speak about “their” building. It adds a human touch”

 

 

...