Something big is coming to London’s Dockland’s very soon. Over the coming 4 years, building will begin on the UK’s tallest ever residential tower on the South Quay Plaza site on the Isle of Dogs. Standing at 220 metres, the new construction will dwarf Britain’s other residential towers, climbing to encompass 68 stories. The completed structure will come close to the height of One Canada Square.

Pared back plans

Although originally designed to stand at 73 stories tall, South Quay Plaza has been scaled down slightly by architects Foster + Partners due to concerns about density and safety. The sky-high structure will be supplemented by a twin residential skyscraper, with a more modest height of 36 stories, echoing its larger sibling’s slimline design and topped with a rooftop sky garden.

The project, initiated by Berkeley Homes, will create 888 new homes, with luxury penthouses topping 188 designated “affordable homes” among higher value properties.

The green light

The substantial project has now been given a final green light and is set to go ahead. In late March 2015, Mayor of London Boris Johnson wrote to Tower Hamlets, notifying them that he would not be calling in the scheme. This cleared the path for final approval.

The timeline

A 1980s block, which includes 183-189 Marsh Wall, currently standing on the South Quay site is scheduled for demolition. Construction of the new South Quay Plaza development is anticipated to get under way in July 2016. Phase one will see the construction of the main tower, with the second smaller tower likely to break ground in April 2018.

What do you make of the UK’s soon-to-be tallest residential tower? Does London’s skyline really need more skyscrapers? Share your views with other tradespeople in the comments section below.