Brazilian billionaire Joseph Safra’s J Safra Group’s plans to create a new tourist attraction have been given the go-ahead by the City of London’s planning committee.
Designed by Foster + Partners, the 305m tall Tulip (with a 12-storey top) will be erected next to the firm’s other London landmark, the Gherkin.
Its creators have said it will offer panoramic views of the capital in gondola pod rides around its petals and a glass-bottomed slide.
Inside it will provide 27,954 sq ft of viewing areas at levels four to seven, a 6,103 sq ft educational and community facility at level three (which the investor has said could accommodate 20,000 places per year for London) and restaurant and bars spanning 16,523 sq ft across levels eight to 12.
A two-storey pavilion, which will act as the principal entrance, with a small retail store, will be built in the north-west corner of the scheme, which will feature a public roof garden.
Planners for the City of London recommended the scheme for approval despite it attracting a number of objections – including from Historic Royal Places, Historic England and the Greater London Authority – over concerns it threatened the world heritage status of the Tower of London,
However, London mayor Sadiq Khan could still call in what could be one of London’s most controversial projects.
The City of London planning committee voted 18 to 7 in favour of approving the scheme, which could attract 1.2m visitors a year.
The development was approved with a number of planning conditions to limit any potential adverse impact to the community. These include off-peak servicing to limit the number of vehicle deliveries at busy times, ticket sale restrictions during peak hours to avoid pedestrian congestion, accessible facilities for disabled persons, concessions for young children, students and senior citizens, and stringent internal and external security measures.
City of London planning committee chairman Chris Hayward said: “After a lengthy and robust debate, the committee agreed to approve this truly unique visitor attraction.
“One of my key objectives as chairman of the planning and transportation committee has been to enable the continued transformation of the City of London into a place which welcomes members of the public on weekends and during the week. This building has the potential to play an important role in realising our vision of the Square Mile as a vibrant 24/7 city.”
Main image © Foster + Partners
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