London’s skyline is set to evolve with the introduction of ‘The Round,’ a striking new development approved for Bankside. This ambitious project comprises three new skyscrapers: a 45-storey office building with approximately 800,000 square feet of sustainable office space and two residential towers of 40 and 22 storeys, respectively. Located at 18 Blackfriars Road, London’s new skyscrapers promise to bring a fresh look to the city’s riverside.
The residential towers are poised to add 433 new homes to the area, with a commendable commitment to affordability—40% of these units are designated as affordable housing. Beyond residential spaces, ‘The Round’ is set to enrich the community with 1,850 square meters of cultural venues at ground level, including a 300-seat auditorium designed to host various events and performances.
The architectural vision behind ‘The Round’ comes from the renowned firm Foster + Partners, which is celebrated for iconic designs such as The Gherkin and the Millennium Bridge. Their involvement ensures the development will be visually captivating and thoughtfully integrated into London’s urban fabric.
Each skyscraper is designed to be entirely electric and achieve net-zero carbon emissions during operation. This is facilitated mainly by ground-source heat pumps, which are expected to meet 95% of the site’s heating requirements. The development of London’s new skyscrapers also comes green spaces that benefit residents and the environment. The development aims to plant approximately 70 new trees within the green spaces, making sure that sustainability remains at the heart of this project.
What sets ‘The Round’ apart is its innovative approach to design, guided by a carefully crafted ‘wellbeing matrix’ that focuses on six key pillars: environment, movement, mindset, social connection, nutrition, and recovery. Internally, these pillars promote well-being through gardens, therapy rooms, napping pods, and fitness facilities. These amenities reflect a holistic approach to urban living, prioritizing occupants’ mental and physical health.
“We have designed a healthy mixed-use development that plugs into – and significantly enhances – the existing urban fabric,” said Nigel Dancey, head of studio at Foster + Partners. “Our proposal aspires to define the office of the future, with flexible floorplates for longevity and cascading green terraces, which bring a social dimension to the workplace.”
Construction is set to start later this year, with completion aimed for 2030.
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