53 Storey Skyscraper in Nine Elms Part Topped Out
Tower will be tallest residential building in Zone One and contain 298 flats
A new skyscraper in One Thames City has become the latest development in Nine Elms to be completed as a huge amount of construction continues in the area.
Just over two years after the ground-breaking ceremony, developers R&F UK and CC Land topped out a 53-storey tower as part of a cluster of new buildings.
The tower, dubbed Number 8, is the tallest in the project and will include 298 flats with the first residents expected to be moving into the building in 2022.
Designed by architects Skidmore Owings & Merrill LLP and built by JRL/Midgard, the building stands 180m tall .
'Topping out' is an ancient ceremony held when the last beam – or equivalent is placed at the top of a structure. At One Thames City, the topping out was also marked by a fireworks display next to the river.
One Thames City is formed of 12 buildings comprising 1,417 flats, shops, restaurants and over 120,000 sq ft of commercial space, centred around 2.5 acres of public open space within the Linear Park.
Guan Zhixiong, Chairman of R&F Group UK, said, “Urban regeneration is at the heart of R&F’s DNA and our aspiration is for One Thames City to bring ever more life to Nine Elms. We believe One Thames City will set a new standard globally for mixed use projects.
“At the same time, we take great pride in the detail of what we build, and residents and their families are the focus for everything we do. Exceptional progress requires exceptional partners, and today’s topping out marks remarkable achievement by everyone involved.”
Aerial view of the planned development
Councillor Ravi Govindia, Leader of Wandsworth Council, said, “We had a vision 10 years ago for derelict land at Nine Elms and the topping out of One Thames City is another milestone towards realising that vision.
The building under construction
"I am pleased that this development brings future opportunities for all of us - the jobs and apprenticeships for local people, the homes, offices, retail units and health centre which will open here, and the 14,000 sq metres of greenery and new public space that this significant section of the Linear Park will provide.
“R&F have put this part of Wandsworth, this part of London and this part of the United Kingdom on the map of the world.”
The flats in the development will range from one to five bedrooms and some will offer views over the Thames. Residents of No.8 will have access to amenities and services including a wellness centre, swimming pool, gym, private dining, cinema, business centre and 24-hour concierge, as well as a private entrance lobby and courtyard with secure valet parking.
December 23, 2020