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Debate Rages Over London Skyscrapers

LONDON-Mayor Ken Livingstone believes new office towers are needed to maintain the city's reputation as a business and commerce centre. English Heritage, the government's conservation advocate, says such buildings aren't always economically justified.

By Steve Killick | Updated on June 14, 2001

LONDON-Mayor Ken Livingstone, is set to lock horns with the Government’s conservation watchdog, English Heritage, over tower blocks in central London. Livingstone believes that, in order tomaintain London’s reputation as a centre for business and commerce moreskyscrapers are needed.

However, English Heritage says the towers are not always economicallyjustified and has published a list of guidelines suggesting appropriatelocations for the next generation of skyscrapers. Sir Neil Cossons, chairmanof English heritage, says: ‘If you look at the tall buildings we inheritedfrom the 1970s, it isn’t a very enticing prospect. If we are going to havethem, let’s make sure we do better than last time.’

Many of the eyesorebuildings from the 1970s have been demolished to make way for offices withlarger floor areas, which many of today’s global organisations demand.Cossons favours low rise, large floorplate buildings that have lessimpact on the environment.

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