City unveils new skyline as planning approvals surge in the Square Mile

CGI vision released ahead of MIPIM

Last night at Mansion House, the City of London Corporation revealed new computer-generated imagery showing how the Square Mile’s skyline could look in six years’ time, as it reported a sharp rise in planning activity. The release comes as the Corporation prepares to promote London to international investors at MIPIM 2026, signalling confidence in central London’s commercial future.

The ‘City Skyline CGI’, created by Didier Madoc-Jones of GMJ, depicts the financial district once buildings already approved or under construction are completed. Officials said the imagery reflects what they described as a record year for planning approvals in 2025 and the busiest start to a year for seven years in terms of applications submitted and decisions made.

According to the Corporation, planning applications decided in January rose by 84 per cent compared with the same month last year. More than half a million square metres of office space received consent in 2025, with around half already under construction. Thirty major commercial schemes are currently being built across the Square Mile.

Development pipeline expands

Among the largest projects under way is 1 Undershaft, with 85 and 60 Gracechurch Street expected to begin shortly. Together they will add more than 200,000 square metres of commercial space. The cluster of tall buildings is set to expand further over the coming years, reshaping views across the eastern City.

The imagery and accompanying time-lapse video have been released ahead of the Corporation’s delegation to MIPIM, Europe’s largest real estate conference. Led by Policy Chairman Chris Hayward and the City Business and Investment Unit, the delegation will seek to attract overseas capital and reinforce London’s competitiveness.

Mr Hayward said record demand for high-quality workspace was reinforcing the City’s resilience.

“Record demand for high quality, amenity rich office space is reinforcing the City’s position as one of the world’s most resilient and attractive business districts,” he said.

“As we head to MIPIM, we do so with a positive outlook and a clear message that London is competitive and full of opportunity, driven by confidence.”

Market data cited by the Corporation suggests vacancy rates in the City Core stood at 4.4 per cent in the final quarter of last year, with new build vacancy at 0.1 per cent. The 22 Bishopsgate tower is fully occupied and has achieved record rents, it said.

“All systems go” for planning

Tom Sleigh, chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee, said the start of the year had been particularly strong.

“Commercial development in the Square Mile is all systems go,” he said.

“We’ve just had our strongest January for planning in seven years, both in applications submitted and decisions made.”

He added that demand for sustainable Grade A space was rising and that the City was responding at pace.

The Corporation argues that the Square Mile’s concentration of financial and professional services firms, legal infrastructure and transport connectivity continues to underpin long-term occupier demand, even amid wider shifts in working patterns.

As cranes continue to shape the skyline, the Corporation’s message to global investors is that central London remains confident in its future trajectory.

For measured reporting on London’s development, planning policy and the forces shaping the Square Mile, follow EyeOnLondon for intelligent coverage of the capital’s future.

[Image Credit | © Visualhouse and Dan Lowe]

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