NLA’s London Tall Buildings Survey 2025 was launched at the Tall Buildings conference at The London Centre on Monday, 17th March. The event provided a post-MIPIM spirited debate on the benefits of tall buildings in the capital delivered by an outstanding range of guest speakers.

The City of London's skyline has evolved dramatically over recent decades, transforming from a landscape where the NatWest Tower once stood alone as the original city landmark into a vibrant cluster of skyscrapers. This evolution isn't merely aesthetic—it represents a thoughtful approach to urban development that balances protection of historical assets with economic growth and sustainability.

Contrary to what might seem intuitive, clustering tall towers in the City of London stems from a deep desire to protect the city's rich heritage, as emphasised by Shravan Joshi, City of London Corporation. By concentrating development in specific areas, the City has successfully preserved its historical monuments and architectural treasures. This strategic densification ensures that modern development coexists harmoniously with the City's historical identity, rather than overwhelming it. As Gwyn Richards from the City of London Corporation noted, "Tall buildings can co-exist against heritage buildings. Without change there would be no heritage. Change delivers heritage." Tall buildings provide unique vantage points from which to appreciate London's heritage landscape, offering perspectives previously unavailable – they create and enhance heritage.

The environmental benefits of tall buildings are substantial and increasingly crucial. Workers coming into the City of London have approximately eight times less carbon impact than the UK average worker, largely due to the efficiency of dense urban environments and excellent public transportation infrastructure. This urban concentration reduces commuting distances and enables efficient energy use.

With 80% of existing London buildings falling below EPC B standards and potentially becoming unfit for purpose by 2030, as highlighted by Justin Gibson of T&T Alinea, modern tall buildings incorporate advanced sustainability features: carbon reduction strategies, all-electric systems, and increased green spaces through terraces and roof gardens. Furthermore, clusters of tall buildings create beneficial microclimates; Gwyn Richards pointed out that recent studies have shown they offer "cooling effects in terms of heat stress areas because of shading and breaking wind patterns. They are beneficial in dispersing air pollution and drawing down cleaner air from height."

The economic case for tall buildings is compelling. Central London remains a safe bet for international investment, maintaining its position as a global financial hub. Grade A office buildings continue to experience high demand, supporting London's competitive edge in attracting global businesses and talent.

Employment in the City of London has increased by 25% between 2019 and 2024, as Shravan Joshi noted. Technology is emerging as the fastest-growing sector in the City. To accommodate the borough's projected growth, the City requires at least an additional 1.2 million square metres of prime office space by 2040. While 85% of this growth will occur in the eastern cluster, significant development will come through retrofitting existing buildings across the square mile that must generate a net area gain. As Shravan Joshi emphasised, there has been a "surge in large retrofit projects going through planning."

Modern tall buildings prioritise human experience in ways their predecessors did not. Gwyn Richards observed, "Gone are the days of inward-looking fortress towers. Today's tall buildings are open and outward-looking with positive amenities for the general public." They create permeable, active spaces that support education and inclusivity.

 In addition, the design quality of public spaces between and around tall buildings is fundamental to their success. Jo Bacon of Allies & Morrison emphasised that "the quality of the residual public space around and between tall buildings is key to their success. It’s fundamental that public space attracts people to spend time, dwell and activate the space."

Key ingredients for great public spaces include:

 

 

Through thoughtful clustering around transport infrastructure and creating amenity-rich environments, tall buildings in the City of London and other London boroughs aren't just transforming the skyline—they're creating sustainable, economically vibrant, and people-focused urban communities for the future. London's skyline is now recognised globally, even becoming "part of the Lego set", as Shravan Joshi memorably put it.