New images offer glimpse of City Cluster skyline in 2026

The City of London Corporation has unveiled new imagery showing how the capital’s City Cluster skyline will look in 2026.

CGIs released today (January 3) have been updated to include the 56-storey 100 Leadenhall Street development.

Two consultations are underway on policies that could redefine the City Cluster, which occupies the eastern corner of the Square Mile and is home to some of London’s most recognisable skyscrapers.

The first covers the 25-year Transport Strategy, which will look to prioritise pedestrians, implement a 15 mph speed limit and reduce deliveries by 30% with the help of consolidation centres based outside the City area.

The view east from Fleet Street (Credit: GMJ/City of London Corporation)

The second is on a Local Plan identifying seven areas of change to promote sustainable growth. This includes closing the gap between the iconic Walkie-Talkie building and the other towers that form the City Cluster.

Development guidance in the Plan will encourage more flexible, adaptable office space; require new schemes to include a greening element; and propose new ground-floor walking routes through tall buildings to make the area more navigable and less congested.

The Chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee at the City of London Corporation, Chris Hayward, said: “These images remind us that the City’s skyscrapers are some of the most recognisable structures in the UK. But great cities are not made from great buildings alone.

“The ambitious policy proposals outlined in the Transport Strategy and the Local Plan aim to resolve challenges at street level, and in the river, air and open spaces, as well as ensuring that City buildings and infrastructure are more robust than ever.”

An aerial view of the City Cluster, looking west (Credit: GMJ/City of London Corporation)

He continued: “These plans will play a central part in shaping the future of the City of London therefore it is vital that we hear from the local residents, workers and key stakeholders that will be impacted.”

The Transport Strategy consultation closes on January 13 and the the Local Plan is open for consultation until February 28.