Centrepiece of a new innovative hub for culture, business and learning supported by technology. A unique destination to celebrate London and the best in British innovation.

The application for planning permission for The Tulip was refused by the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities on 11th November 2021.

Status
Bird’s eye illustration of The Tulip and The Gherkin

Vision

The Tulip is in the spirit of London as a progressive forward-thinking city. The latest in a long tradition of London landmarks. And a statement of confidence in the future.

A high-tech wonder next to the popular Gherkin. A new urban square. A new perspective for Londoners.

Illustration of The Tulip's atrium and skybridge

Destination

The Tulip is designed to draw visitors from London, the UK and around the world into the City’s Eastern Cluster and onto the Culture Mile. A multi-dimensional experience at 300 metres high, combining stunning design with breath-taking views.

Illustration of The Tulip’s gondola rides

Something for everyone, every time they visit. Viewing galleries with a Skybridge and rides — inside and out. Engaging exhibits and interactive learning about London and British design technology. And places for food and drink with an unbeatable panorama.

Learning

The Tulip offers a unique opportunity to enrich the lives of London’s schoolchildren — delivering tech-driven, immersive classrooms in the sky — broadening the skills and mindsets to shape Britain’s future.

Illustration of the public realm

With at least 40,000 free places per year for state school pupils age 7-14, The Tulip Aspire London Space will be an important memory for young Londoners — an inspiration for generations to share.

Community

With global attraction, seven-day programming and a vibrant public realm, The Tulip will bring new life and enhanced revenue potential to the City’s Eastern Cluster. And all our neighbours will have a centre for lifelong creative learning.

For the City’s aspirational workforce, The Tulip and its public realm will make the Eastern Cluster an even greater place to work and enjoy — helping bridge the gap between the traditional City, entrepreneurs and the thriving tech scene.

Illustration of The Tulip and City of London

Investment

The Tulip will deliver economic benefits worth £1.6 billion to the City, Greater London, and the UK.

The project represents a substantial direct investment and a long-term vote of confidence in London as a leading world city.

The Tulip will attract an estimated 1.2 million visitors per year, half from outside the UK, helping maintain London as the world's third most visited city.

Over 1,000 new jobs and opportunities will be created directly and as part of a wider ripple across London and the country.

Status

Following a public inquiry held between 3rd November and 18th December 2020, the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has considered the inspector’s report and on 11th November 2021 issued a decision to refuse planning permission for The Tulip.

You may watch The Tulip Evidence in Chief film to the Public Inquiry from Foster + Partners on behalf of the Appellant by accessing this link.

Briefings

Press Releases Date
Appeal launched to secure planning permission for The Tulip January 30, 2020 Download
Statement in response to The Mayor of London's letter on 15 July 2019 announcing his decision regarding planning permission July 15, 2019 Download
Independent poll confirms Londoners continue to back The Tulip June 26, 2019 Download
The Tulip Project welcomes the City of London Planning and Transportation Committee resolution to grant planning permission April 2, 2019 Download
City of London planning officers' report recommends Planning and Transportation Committee resolve to grant planning permission March 25, 2019 Download
The Tulip estimated to offer economic benefits to London of nearly £1 billion and 600 full time jobs February 6, 2019 Download
Independent poll confirms two thirds of Londoners support The Tulip January 4, 2019 Download
Planning application for The Tulip filed with the City of London November 19, 2018 Download