Key Highlights

Regarding skyscrapers, there are two important tenets: what was the first and what is the tallest?

UK Skyscrapers: A Quick History

The first skyscraper in the UK is fairly contested. Some sources list the Ditherington Flax Mill, a flax mill in Shrewsbury, England, which was the first iron-framed building in the country (and in the world). It is five stories tall and was completed in 1797.

Others assert that Liverpool’s Liver Building is the “true” first skyscraper. The building has become a famous fixture of the city’s skyline and is instantly recognisable. The building is 98 metres high and was the tallest building in the UK when it opened in 1911. 

Times have changed considerably since then. Now, everything is bigger and better than before. British cities have become almost unrecognisable as polished high rises dominate the skyline. London’s first skyscraper is contentious, but most say 55 Broadway in Westminster was the first. Completed in 1929, it reached an impressive 15 floors. However, historical sticklers would argue that the first modern skyscraper was the Natwest Building in the city centre, which rose to 42 floors and was finished in the 1980s.

With initially plenty of land to suffice the population, there weren’t that many skyscrapers in the UK during the first half of the 21st century. There has been a tendency to build outwards rather than upwards. When skyscrapers did begin to take off, they were predominately relegated to office and retail spaces. It is only relatively recently that they have been conceived of as residential spaces. The UK’s population now stands at nearly 70 million. London’s population is soon to hit 10 million. It’s clear that we need them now more than ever to meet the growing demand for housing, while still making conscious use of our space.

The tallest skyscrapers in the UK

London

The Shard, London

Unsurprisingly, the tallest skyscraper in the UK is London’s very own Shard. Aptly named the Shared because it juts out of the skyline like a shard of glass, glimmering and reflecting light on its surroundings, it is renowned for its height and unusual design.

The Shard stands at 310 metres and amounts to 72 floors. It is a multi-functional building, consisting of office space, a five-star hotel, 13 floors of residential space, and a public viewing gallery.

22 Bishopsgate: 278 metres

One Canada Square: 235 metres

Manchester

Deansgate Square South Tower

Towering over Manchester city centre at 201 metres, Deansgate Square South Tower is the tallest building in the UK outside of London. Currently, it is the 12th tallest building in the UK. The building is entirely residential, with some units sold by North Property Group.

Beetham Tower

Beetham Tower, located in the Castlefield area, is the second largest building outside of London and stands at 169 metres.

Deansgate Square East Tower

Only a stone’s throw from the South Tower, this impressive structure is an entirely residential building and stands at 158 metres. North Property Group also worked closely with a local developer to present state-of-the-art units to investors.

The Blade

Another skyscraper North Property Group has helped to sell and let is the sleek Blade building in Castlefield. It stands at 154 metres.

Three60

Also situated in the affluent area of Castlefield, Three60 is a 154 metre tall building that is residential – with homes sold by North Property Group. It is part of the second phase of the Crown Street development area.

It appears as though Manchester is set to become a skyscraper capital after London. One such skyscraper currently underdevelopment is Viadux 2, a modern and imposing structure from Salboy that is set to rise to 241 metres if plans are approved. It is another exciting development from an esteemed local developer in the city. It is clear that it is a future investment opportunity not to be missed and we will keep readers updated as it progresses. Follow us to hear more about Viadux 2 in the future.

Leeds

Altus House: 114.3 metres

Bridgewater Place: 112 metres

Sky Plaza: 106 metres

Summary

North Property Group is a property investment agency that also offers a comprehensive lettings service. We have a core focus on off-plan property – a lot of which includes skyscrapers like the ones we’ve listed above. Skyscrapers present a fantastic opportunity for investors, as they’re highly coveted and designed to a high standard. They tend to appreciate in value quickly and their iconic structures make them a staple of the city.

Book a free consultation with us today to find your next skyscraper opportunity in the UK real estate and UK off plan property industry.