About this Event
The Eastern City of London – a SAVE walking tour of the Cluster of Towers
Saturday, 18th May 2024 | 11:00 -13:00
Join SAVE and Alec Forshaw on a walking tour through the eastern part of the City of London and the locations of two important SAVE cases. We will also traverse the extraordinary tall buildings cluster, largely built over the last 20 years, including the ‘Gherkin’, ‘Cheesegrater’, ‘Scalpel’ and ‘Walkie-Talkie’.
London's planning policies historically favoured clustering towers in the north-east City area to preserve views of St Paul's Cathedral, with strict controls dating back to the 1930s. Despite occasional breaches, efforts have been made to correct these violations, limiting tall building opportunities in the western City. The concentration of towers in the east, particularly notable for iconic new structures, was influenced by IRA bombings in the 1990s, leading to redevelopment. Notably, projects like the Stock Exchange tower's transformation highlight the area's evolution, with ongoing developments like the Leadenhall Building reflecting London's dynamic urban landscape and economic confidence. SAVE and Alec Forshaw have been heavily involved in the recent designation of the new Bevis Marks/ Creechurch Conservation Area, and we will look at that as part of our circuit
Tour Guide: Alec Forshaw is a notable expert in London’s architectural heritage - a writer, planner, historian, and was a key witness for SAVE at the Marks and Spencer public inquiry. He is the author of New City: Contemporary Architecture in the City of London.
Meet: Kindertransport Memorial (outside McDondalds), south side of Liverpool Street station, London.
Tickets: Friends & Saviours £16.50 | General public £20 (incl. Eventbrite booking fee)
Group size: Between 10 and 22 participants.
Activity Level required: Expect a walk of approximately 2.75 miles. Please note, this tour is unsuitable for those who may struggle with typical walking and stair-climbing.
Image: Cluster of towers in the City of London [Credit: City Corporation]
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Kindertransport Memorial near McDonalds, Liverpool Street Station, 50 Liverpool Street, London, United Kingdom
GBP 16.50 to GBP 20.00
