Key Details

Overview

The Tulip is a proposed development of a 305.3-metre tall visitor attraction next to The Gherkin on the land adjacent to 20 Bury Street in the City of London EC3.

Foster + Partners have been commissioned by Bury Street Properties (Luxembourg) S.A.R.L to design a purpose-built, visitor attraction/viewing gallery, incorporating a state of the art educational facility, that will complement and enhance the Gherkin and give visitors the opportunity to enjoy a curated entertainment experience in a unique setting.

The proposed development consists of the Tulip, the pavilion building and basement levels connecting both. The Tulip base extends above ground with a concrete core, the “stem”, which will extend up surpassing the height of the Gherkin. The upper part of the Tulip’s massing, the “top”, consists of 12 floors.

Floors 1 to 12 of the top include:
- Sky bar;
- Restaurant space;
- A free Education facility;
- Sky bridge / viewing gallery; and
- Plant room / back of house.

Timeline

Plans for The Tulip were exhibited 6.-8. December 2018 for local residents, businesses and the general public.

2020 November - The proposal to build The Tulip is the subject of a Planning Appeal Inquiry to be heard in November 2020 in London.

2018 November - Planning application submitted for:
Demolition of existing building and structures and construction of a building to a height of 305.3m AOD for a mixed-use visitor attraction, including viewing areas [2,597sq.m GEA], an education facility [567sq.m GEA] (Sui Generis) and restaurant / bar use (Class A3/A4) [1,535sq.m GEA]; together with a retail unit at ground floor (Class A1); a new two-storey pavilion building [1,093sq.m GEA] (Sui Generis) comprising the principal visitor attraction entrance with retail at ground floor level (Class A1 / A3) [11sq.m GEA] and a public roof garden; provision of ancillary cycle parking, servicing and plant and alterations to the public realm. [Total Scheme Area: 17,441sq.m GEA]. Planning Consultant: DP9. Construction Consultant: Skanska. City of London ref. no. 18/01213/FULEIA