The Tulip | Foster + Partners

The Tulip is a new public cultural and tourist attraction for London, combining both heritage and modernity. Planned to be built next to The Gherkin, it enhances one of the capital’s most cherished icons.

PROJECT
The Tulip is a showcase for London’s world-leading expertise in architecture, culture, education and business. This unique visitor attraction will deliver economic benefits to the City, Greater London and beyond. The Tulip offers a free state-of-the-art education facility for London’s state schoolchildren, and provides a memorable and informative experience for tourists about London’s history and dynamism. The public realm at ground level will be increased and enhanced with green spaces in line with the City’s and the Mayor’s goals for better public spaces.

STATUS
Planning application for The Tulip was submitted to the City of London Corporation on 13 November 2018 on behalf of the J. Safra Group and the world leading architects, Foster + Partners, owners and architects respectively of The Gherkin. Prior to this submission, members of the consultant team engaged with the appropriate authorities and key stakeholders and will continue to do so during the official planning consultation period. The information contained on this website is designed to highlight key aspects of the proposed development. All details and specifications are subject to the planning review process with the City of London Corporation.

CLASSROOM IN THE SKY
A key feature will be the education facility within the top of The Tulip, offering 20,000 free places per year for London’s state school children aged 5-16. This educational resource, provided by the J. Safra Group, will deliver national curriculum topics using innovative tools to bring to life the city’s history and dynamism, inspiring the creative young minds of tomorrow.

WONDER AT LONDON’S PANORAMA
From a height of about 300 metres, visitors will enjoy stunning panoramic views across Greater London. Gondola pod rides will transport you outside in an exhilarating loop around The Tulip’s glass petals. Inside the 12 floors at the top, visitors can stroll across the Sky Bridge and enjoy the thrill of sliding between floors. Curated viewing spaces with interactive material, plus talks from expert guides, will bring the history of London alive.

A range of dining and hospitality options will be offered.

The Tulip will also be an outstanding venue to host cultural, educational, business and technology events. In summary, it will enhance the City’s Culture Mile as a tourist destination, and deliver significant economic and social benefits to London.

Architects
Foster + Partners

Location
Land adjacent to 20 Bury Street, City of London

Appointment
2018

Planning Application
13 November 2018

Estimated Construction
2020 – 2025

Site Area
2,889m² (31,100sq ft)

Number of buildings
2, Entrance Pavilion and Visitor Attraction

Building dimensions
—Height: 305.3m (1,000ft)
—Diameter of concrete shaft: 14.3m (47ft)
—Diameter of widest floor: 34.5m (113ft)

Structure
High-strength concrete shaft with steel framed observation deck levels

Parking facilities
—284 bicycles
—2 disabled car spaces

Materials
— Concrete shaft for strength, maintenance and durability
— High performance glass: unitised and glazed
— Steel and aluminium framing
— Composite floor slabs