Watchdog seeks to nip Foster’s Tulip in the bud

DBOX_Foster + Partners_The Tulip_Aerial

Historic England objects to tourist tower, dubbing it a ‘vertical cliff edge’ for the City

Government heritage adviser Historic England has formally objected to Foster & Partners’ Tulip tower proposals for a 305m-high visitor attraction just metres from the practice’s Gherkin building.

The organisation’s principal inspector of historic buildings, Michael Dunn, said the proposals would create a “vertical cliff edge” between the City of London’s eastern tall buildings cluster and the Tower of London, which is a Unesco World Heritage Site.

“In our view, this sharp contrast, combined with the unusual eye-catching form of the proposed building, reduces the visual dominance of the Tower of London and harms an attribute of its outstanding universal value, namely the tower’s role as a symbol of royal power set apart from the City of London and dominating its strategic riverside setting,” Dunn said.

This is premium content. 

Only logged in subscribers have access to it.

Login or SUBSCRIBE to view this story

Gated access promo

Existing subscriber? LOGIN

A subscription to Building Design will provide:

  • Unlimited architecture news from around the UK
  • Reviews of the latest buildings from all corners of the world
  • Full access to all our online archives
  • PLUS you will receive a digital copy of WA100 worth over £45.

Subscribe now for unlimited access.

Alternatively REGISTER for free access on selected stories and sign up for email alerts