As part of a major NLA Insight Study into the past, present and future of tall towers in the capital and NLA exhibition London’s Growing Up!, which opens next month, the survey by GL Hearn has found at least 236 tall buildings over 20 storeys are currently proposed, approved or under construction in London, and set to dramatically alter the capital’s skyline. Initial estimates had originally placed the figure at 200.

This new trend for tall buildings will see 33 buildings between 40-49 storeys and 22 buildings of 50 storeys or more planned for London. 48 per cent of the 236 towers have been approved and 19 per cent are already off the starting blocks and under construction.

High-rise living sees the biggest surge, with 80 per cent of the towers planned as new residential blocks for the capital – a total of 189 new towers, potentially contributing to tackling London’s housing crisis.

Tower Hamlets, traditionally one of London’s less affluent boroughs, is at the heart of the building boom as the biggest area of development, with 23 per cent of the projects being planned there alone.

Central and East London are the focus areas for the most future developments with 77 per cent of the total planned tall buildings. Tower Hamlets, Lambeth, Greenwich, Newham and Southwark, have a combined total of 140 new towers, out of the proposed 236.

Of the remaining towers, 18 are set to be office developments, eight hotels, 13 mixed-use and one tower is earmarked as an educational institute.

The results of GL Hearn’s building survey will inform the NLA Insight Study which investigates the past, present and future London skyline.