London: Skyscraper Coming to South Bank?
Mar 11th, 2008, 07:00 AM
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London: Skyscraper Coming to South Bank?
Recently in London i heard about a flap over plans to build a very tall building right on the South Bank, right by the fancy Southbank Centre with the Royal Festival Hall, Queen Elizabeth Hall and The Hayward Theatre.
At least i understood it to be the location.
Of course critics were vocal about the desecration, etc. of central London - much like Prince Charles is whining about another tall building planned for just east of the Tower of London.
The City of London and the Canary Wharf area more and more resembles a Manhattan on the Thames with a forest of skyscrapers including the famous Gherkin.
London's visionary Mayor 'Red' Ken Livingstone was quoted as saying, about critics like the Prince, that yeh they also criticized the Gherkin, etc. - buildings in the City of London that are now viewed in a positive light by most i believe.
But by the august South Bank Centre? Fine with me but i understand more the protests there.
But should London have such a skyscraper on the South Bank?
Anyone know more details about this scheme? thanks
At least i understood it to be the location.
Of course critics were vocal about the desecration, etc. of central London - much like Prince Charles is whining about another tall building planned for just east of the Tower of London.
The City of London and the Canary Wharf area more and more resembles a Manhattan on the Thames with a forest of skyscrapers including the famous Gherkin.
London's visionary Mayor 'Red' Ken Livingstone was quoted as saying, about critics like the Prince, that yeh they also criticized the Gherkin, etc. - buildings in the City of London that are now viewed in a positive light by most i believe.
But by the august South Bank Centre? Fine with me but i understand more the protests there.
But should London have such a skyscraper on the South Bank?
Anyone know more details about this scheme? thanks
Mar 11th, 2008, 07:16 AM
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Presumably you mean the Doon St Tower, which was getting its public enquiry in early February.
Personally, I think it manages the miracle of being uglier than the South Bank Centre - and given market sentiment right now, the developers would struggle to raise money for an ice-cream stand. It intrudes on vistas not yet destroyed by recent crap, like the view from St James's Park, or thge one across Somerset House courtyard from the entrance to the Courtauld.
I'd say it's about as likely to get built as Heathrow Runway 3. That is, if you're over 50, don't expect to see it in your lifetime, unless you're sure you'll live to 100.
Personally, I think it manages the miracle of being uglier than the South Bank Centre - and given market sentiment right now, the developers would struggle to raise money for an ice-cream stand. It intrudes on vistas not yet destroyed by recent crap, like the view from St James's Park, or thge one across Somerset House courtyard from the entrance to the Courtauld.
I'd say it's about as likely to get built as Heathrow Runway 3. That is, if you're over 50, don't expect to see it in your lifetime, unless you're sure you'll live to 100.
Mar 11th, 2008, 07:55 AM
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If you really believe the Third Runway will be built in your lifetime, you're younger than you give the impression of.
I'd put the planning process at 30 years. Even if any government has a big enough death wish to start it in the first place.
I'd put the planning process at 30 years. Even if any government has a big enough death wish to start it in the first place.
