Tulip Tower By Foster And Partners To Go Ahead

UK housing secretary Michael Gove is expected to approve the construction of the Tulip tourist attraction designed by Foster + Partners, overruling London mayor Sadiq Khan's previous decision to refuse planning permission, Abode2 luxury property magazine reports.

Gove is preparing to give the controversial 300-metre-high tower by Foster + Partners the go-ahead within the next month.

The decision would overturn London mayor Khan's rejection of the Tulip in 2019 due to concerns that the structure would provide "very limited public benefit" to the capital city.

At the time, the mayor's spokesperson also said Khan felt the design was "of insufficient quality for such a prominent location" and that it would "result in harm to London's skyline".

The Tulip was designed by Foster + Partners in 2018 for a site next to the Stirling Prize-winning 30 St Mary Axe, known as The Gherkin, which the studio also created.

If built, it would contain a publicly accessible observation deck along with bars and restaurants and become the tallest structure in the City of London financial district.

The government is believed to be backing the City of London Corporation, which originally approved the structure and believes it will establish the area as a "world-class destination".

"The Tulip would play an important role in further realising a vision for the Square Mile as a vibrant 24/7 world-class destination and that the building would send a powerful message that London remains open to all," a City of London Corporation spokesperson told Abode2.