Three new skyscrapers are set to be built in south London as part of a £2 billion development in Vauxhall Square, a currently undeveloped site. The project, approved by Lambeth Council, includes a 69-storey tower that will become Britain's second-tallest residential building.
Tower Details and Development Scope
The 69-storey skyscraper will reach 230.5 meters, housing 500 homes. This height positions it just behind Canary Wharf's Landmark Pinnacle, which stands at 233 meters. The new tower will be the fifth tallest building in Britain overall. The entire Vauxhall Square development will comprise seven buildings, offering a total of 1,097 homes, 1,164 co-living units, and accommodation for 699 students.
In addition to residential units, the development will include a 250-room hotel, office spaces, retail units, and a cinema. Public amenities will feature a swimming pool and a gym, along with play areas, cycle parking, and new pedestrian routes.
Affordable Housing and Opposition
Of the new homes planned, one quarter are designated as 'affordable housing.' This includes 122 units available for social rent and 120 units on discount market rent. The scheme also features a 61-storey tower with 355 build-to-rent homes, and a separate 45-storey tower for student accommodation.
The development, a £2 billion undertaking by firms Bmor, Cedarstone Capital Partners, and Cheyne Capital, faced some opposition. Historic England raised concerns that the development's height would cause 'incremental harm' and create visual competition with the Palace of Westminster in protected London views. Lambeth Council's Planning Applications Committee approved the scheme by a narrow margin of four votes to three, with planning officers concluding that the proposals would not harm heritage assets or protected views.
Timeline
Construction is anticipated to commence in January 2027, with the development expected to be completed in phases. The project received seven letters of support, 32 objections, and two neutral comments during the planning process.