Dramatic image reveals the forest of new skyscrapers that will transform City skyline by 2032

"A new image revealing what the City's ever changing and increasingly dramatic skyline will look like by the early 2030s following a stampede of planning approvals for new skyscrapers has been unveiled by the Square Mile's governing body. The latest City Skyline CGI shows how new towers already under construction or have recent received planning consent will create an even denser forest of tall buildings in the heart of London's oldest financial district."

"Last year was a record for planning approvals in the City as developers came forward with ambitious schemes to create new office space. Work on the City's tallest skyscraper, 1 Undershaft, which was approved in December 2024, is already underway. In total around 30 major schemes are under construction. More than half a million sq m of office space was granted planning permission in the City last year, equivalent to more than ten Gherkins, with around half of this amount already under construction."

"According to agents JLL, vacancy rates in the City Core stood at just 4.4% at the end of 2025, while the new build vacancy was just 0.1% with the Square Mile's largest office building, 22 Bishopsgate, fully occupied and achieving record rents. According to the corporation the new development activity reflects both long term confidence in London's role as a global financial and professional services centre, and growing demand for sustainable, Grade A office space from international occupiers."

A new CGI image shows the City skyline as it will appear by the early 2030s, highlighting towers under construction and those with recent planning consent. The image was created by Didier Madoc-Jones of architectural modelling firm GMJ. Work on 1 Undershaft, approved in December 2024, is already underway and about 30 major schemes are under construction. More than 500,000 sq m of office space received planning permission last year, roughly equivalent to more than ten Gherkins, with half already being built. Vacancy rates in the City Core were 4.4% at end‑2025 and new build vacancy 0.1%, with 22 Bishopsgate fully occupied. The development activity reflects sustained confidence in London’s global financial role and rising demand for sustainable Grade A office space, though the proliferation of tall buildings has attracted criticism from campaigners.

Read at www.standard.co.uk