A veto on new skyscrapers within a so-called ‘Sky Gateway’ between the City of London and Canary Wharf is being pushed by English Heritage.
The group is expected to table proposals designed to protect the view from Waterloo Bridge looking east, The Financial Times reported yesterday.
If accepted, the idea would leave a wobbly future for the controversial ‘Walkie-Talkie’ - a proposed skyscraper on the eastern edge of the City.
Although approved by the corporation of London in September, the government called in plans for its development, amid concern the 630ft tower would spoil views of the Tower of London.
Designed by architect Rafael Vinoly, the skyscraper will now become the subject of a public inquiry, which is expected to start next week.
Cabe, the government’s architect watchdog, has been reported as backing Land Securities’ plans to build the Walkie Talkie in Fenchurch St.
But English Heritage has warned: “The result [of Vinoly’s] proposal would be an oppressive and overwhelming form that would have an uncomfortable relationship with the surrounding historic streets.”
On the contrary according to Vinoly, who has told Architecture Week that the façade’s slight curves compliment the curvature of the river and follow the geometry of the medieval streets around the site.
Tuesday’s inquiry into what the government has described as the “appropriateness of a very very tall building” could last several weeks.
Mar 2, 2007
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