London to change its visual identity

More than 230 new towers are planned to sprout in central London in a radical transformation of the skyline, the British architectural think-tank New London Architecture announced.

This organization said 236 tall buildings of 20 storeys or more are proposed, approved or under construction in London. In a city where most towers have traditionally been dedicated to office space, eighty percent of the planned towers -- of which half already have planning approval -- will be sold for private flats.

This trend is dictated by real estate prices in the market, which are among the highest in the world.

The tallest building in the European Union is the Shard, a glass-clad, skyscraper in London which measures 306 metres. It opened to the public last year, and houses offices, restaurants, a hotel and viewing areas.

When the latest round of developments is complete, there will be at least two more towers 75 storeys high.

- Towers are about London realising it is insanely popular and getting its mojo back - a British architect said in a statement to AFP.