^^^ me too. apart from anything else, it adds to the canyon that is forming in that area.

I like how (as shown in Gazkinz last picture on the previous page) it bridges the height difference between the low-rises and city point, a great step-up affect.. plus like people are saying, it bridges a gap and it adds a bit little bit more to the cityscape.

Deliriously cold today. This monster is almost externally complete.

From Finsbury Square
http://i41.tinypic.com/oqvu6w.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/25iq8v9.jpg

http://i40.tinypic.com/4m4wi.jpg

From Chiswell Street
http://i42.tinypic.com/2rww9pg.jpg

http://i40.tinypic.com/6zproh.jpg

From Finsbury Street
http://i40.tinypic.com/rm780g.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/2rqlenc.jpg

Ropemaker Street
http://i42.tinypic.com/2ziyaaf.jpg

Silk Street, a bit of hulk from this angle
http://i40.tinypic.com/5xlero.jpg

From the Barbican, ugly from here
http://i41.tinypic.com/jzwr3k.jpg

Complete carbuncle.

well its not sympathetic, but then again I don't find it offensive. Citypoint and its environs seem a bit 'canyonesque' anyway (I used to work in Chiswell Street). Quite like the view from Ropemaker Street. Shame the best bits (the open roof terraces) are effectively hidden away to be enjoyed only by those using them. At least the cladding is a bit different. Seems like New Street Square, not too tall to cause offence, but generally a bit bland.

This has grown on me actually. Ok, it's not the prettiest building in the world and it is a bit dodgy from some angles, but I think that it actually suits the surrounding area pretty well and complements CityPoint to a certain extent.

6.5/10

P.S. does anyone else think that Ropemaker has a Tokyo-esque feel to it?

... soulless corporate shite. It's enough to make you want to join EH! Basically this is filing cabinet architecture. It's precisely the sort of building that has ruined so much of the City over the past 40 years or so.

Hmm, I actually like it. A nice little filler.

I think it's alright, blends in with the environment and is not offensive.

Wonder what EH think of it, or can they not see it? I mean, had it been 4m taller, had it been taller than the neighbours, they may have...

I don't mind it that much, but it's not a great contribution to the London cityscape..

If the City cleaned up the street scape around here, ie nice clear shared surfaces all round then it would lift these souless buildings immensly.

I think it's alright, blends in with the environment and is not offensive.

... blending in is hardly a critical judgment? Shite blends in with other shite ...

... blending in is hardly a critical judgment? Shite blends in with other shite ...

Do you like anything?

Do you like anything?

I should have thought from my posts it's fairly clear what I like. What I don't like is the lack of critical perspective I read on buildings that so obviously need a critical perspective. Maybe I'm posting on the wrong site. I didn't quite realise it was a cult where questioning received opinions is disallowed ...

I'll side with borderboy here. A shit in a toilet is still ugly however well it blends in with it's surroundings.

I should have thought from my posts it's fairly clear what I like. What I don't like is the lack of critical perspective I read on buildings that so obviously need a critical perspective. Maybe I'm posting on the wrong site. I didn't quite realise it was a cult where questioning received opinions is disallowed ...

No cult as such. Call it a selection of people who 'like' tall buildings. Its just in such company most of your posts stick out like a sore thumb. I think you will find most buildings have (or have had) critics here, Ropemaker in particular is not liked, but once it is approved and construction has started, posts like 'soulless corporate shite' is not constructive criticism, its spam. I personally don't like this because I think its facing the wrong way and is too close to citypoint, but otherwise innoffensive in an area full of innoffensive crap buildings. I like to hear criticism, of which you do a lot of! I just hate spam, whether its 'thats great!', or 'thats shite', which this forum has too much of. I also find the nature of some of your posts aggresive in tone, which causes arguments rather than discussion.

No cult as such. Call it a selection of people who 'like' tall buildings. Its just in such company most of your posts stick out like a sore thumb. I think you will find most buildings have (or have had) critics here, Ropemaker in particular is not liked, but once it is approved and construction has started, posts like 'soulless corporate shite' is not constructive criticism, its spam. I personally don't like this because I think its facing the wrong way and is too close to citypoint, but otherwise innoffensive in an area full of innoffensive crap buildings. I like to hear criticism, of which you do a lot of! I just hate spam, whether its 'thats great!', or 'thats shite', which this forum has too much of. I also find the nature of some of your posts aggresive in tone, which causes arguments rather than discussion.

Fair enough. I'll cut the *****.

I've read a lot more aggression on here than I've delivered. But then again, why not? If you can't argue on the web it'd get boring soon enough.

Nice set of pics! I think this just adds to the increasing bulk and architectural diversity of the area if nothing else

Yeah, we've got a clearer picture of the way the building looks in context. I wouldn't say it is a carbuncle at all! It's massing is a let down off course because of the height hysteria. But the cladding and the forms are elegant and crisp.
That said, the Corporation of London (?) should do something to humanise the streets around, it's totally artificial, a bit of a badly planned version of Canary Wharf in the centre of town.

P.S. does anyone else think that Ropemaker has a Tokyo-esque feel to it?

just what i was thinking seeing these latest photos.

Can someone tell me what you have to take to see this building through such rose tinted glasses? This corner of the City is shaping up to be one of the ugliest in London. Thank God for the Barbican.

I went by today and I really dont think its all that bad from street level. As Henry's pics shows the cladding is not that bad and it relates well to its neighbours. With Citypoint and the Heron it will make a nice little collection I think.

Don't know about ugly - but today it felt slightly Orwellian


http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/300109120.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/300109130.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/300109148.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/300109153.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/300109161.jpg

For those interested there's an animation here on the Ropemaker Website showing the internal atrium and huge floorplates of this rather perplexing building;

http://www.ropemakerlondon.com/

I do like the external green spaces every few floors..that must be very civilising for workers.

amazing what a bit of trendy (how would I know) music, a few helicopter shots and a sunny day can do for a marketing pitch. Doesn't change the fact this is a glassy, glossy money box and little more.

^^ See my rant(?) in the Landmark thread concerning glass money boxes.

Criteria for a good marketing video:


Blue sky

Minimal traffic, no pollution

Happy, attractive office workers engaging in conversation, usually with coffee

Uplifting (almost cheesy) music

Slow camera shots, allowing some awe for the viewer

Much, much too much natural light in the building giving the impression that it doesn't need any artificial lighting whatsoever

Camera shots aimed at the attractive sides of the building - no views of service tanks/boilers/piping.

Green space that probably won't exist after construction

Thank goodness this building is not along the river or anywhere else where it would have a high visual impact. What a dreadful project for anyone involved in it, from designer to user. The facades are at least broken up into a series of volumetric elements and the envelope system is interesting. What a pity though that this is the best that Arups and the City of London planners can do when having to design a 600,000 ft2 office building for the City. At least JPM are not going to compound this type of development and have opted to move to RS, to a much more elegant work of architecture.

Thank goodness this building is not along the river or anywhere else where it would have a high visual impact. What a dreadful project for anyone involved in it, from designer to user. The facades are at least broken up into a series of volumetric elements and the envelope system is interesting. What a pity though that this is the best that Arups and the City of London planners can do when having to design a 600,000 ft2 office building for the City. At least JPM are not going to compound this type of development and have opted to move to RS, to a much more elegant work of architecture.

I fully agree; the only name for this building can be carbuncle and it is a testimony to the inaptitude of the planning officers who approved this.

It has been clear from the day when BL bought this from Deutsche, Ropemaker was intended to be a back-office building and there is nothing wrong with this as this is a less attractive fringe area (just look at the poor state of the roads). However, this is still no excuse for putting down such a dreadful carbuncle. Even after the war they did better.

thanks for the pics, love this building, brutal, glossy, sleek and contemporary.

thanks for the pics, love this building, brutal, glossy, sleek and contemporary.

As they say in Yorkshire ... 'There's nowt so queer as folk' :)

i think there are worse designs out there - this one has green spaces to help its longevity - but i think it's too close to Citypoint. I wonder if planning laws here take into account the street width versus height of opposing buildings, given that the street pattern is often narrow and complex. Not so bad on a square grid like NY, but more of a problem here methinks. And from an environmental viewpoint, having lights on all day during summer might cancel out any green design benefits.

amazing what a bit of trendy (how would I know) music, a few helicopter shots and a sunny day can do for a marketing pitch. Doesn't change the fact this is a glassy, glossy money box and little more.


Like just about all office blocks...but this one has greenspace every few floors for the employees......

Like just about all office blocks...but this one has greenspace every few floors for the employees......

well no ... we might agree that some offices are better designed than others I think ... like CRS, Heron, Pinnacle etc. I just want the best for London because of the damage I see caused by post-war planning and architecture. Why settle for less than the best in one of the greatest cities in the world?

^^^ I think we would both agree to that.

I think just about all projects have some redeeming features and this one's is its outdoor green spaces which is one up IMO on any of the other buildings you site.

In any case, its all a matter of individual opinion...this is not one of my favorites, but neither do I hate it.

The building benefits a lot by proximity to it's tall neighbour, but they actually work well together. Gets a B- in my book: could have been better but won't be an embarrassment in 10 year's time like much of the rest of London's glass 'n' steel midrises

Oh what could have been.

http://skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/63RopemakerPlace(schemeA)_pic1.jpg

Oh what could have been.

Indeed. At least the actual building is better than that load of pretentious shit.

how the hell would that have stood up??? makes 20FC look positively conservative :nuts:

how the hell would that have stood up??? makes 20FC look positively conservative :nuts:

There are similar buildings in Madrid:

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/web/MultimediaFiles/20050924_ROAD_WORLDS_WRR_TOWERS.JPG
http://www.lera.com/pimg/pde/3080594_large.jpg

Oh what could have been.

http://skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/63RopemakerPlace(schemeA)_pic1.jpg

Coupled with Calatrava's City Point
http://www.baugewerbe.ch/portrait/files/213/00001612-g_cal3.jpg

Deliberately missed opportunity

call me mundane but I'd rather keep what we have then have those two whacky designs, London's skyline doesn't have to be all bespoke towers, nice to have some that follow the laws of ...well, bland. :|

There are similar buildings in Madrid:

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/web/MultimediaFiles/20050924_ROAD_WORLDS_WRR_TOWERS.JPG
http://www.lera.com/pimg/pde/3080594_large.jpg

Had forgotten those. Working out the stresses on these structures must be a hell of a sweat.

call me mundane but I'd rather keep what we have then have those two whacky designs, London's skyline doesn't have to be all bespoke towers, nice to have some that follow the laws of ...well, bland. :|

You're mundane. (But you have a point)

amazed how tight all the buildings are around ropemaker. felt quite dark....tho that could ve been the rain!!

I still think it could actually be a successfull space, like a Victorian ally slightly oppressive but intruiging. IF ONLY, if only they sort out the roads, no need for silly road and pavement setup squeezed into a narrow street, have clean shared surfaces, minimalist. Could look great running into City Point

Some good news from BL.

"At Ropemaker, there is encouraging tenant interest in this excellent building providing first class offices, although becoming available to let at a difficult time in the market. Terms have been agreed with a major institution for a letting of a significant part of the offices and final negotiations are in progress."

It feels like all the characterless developments are being shoehorned into this corner of the City - the less glamorous part, where it doesn't matter so much what you build. Without the style of Barbican it really would be just another ordinary city business district.

Isn't JP Morgan's European HQ supposed to be built somewhere around Ropemaker Place? Is there a rendering for that tower?

Isn't JP Morgan's European HQ supposed to be built somewhere around Ropemaker Place? Is there a rendering for that tower?

Nah. They are going to Canary Wharf. Riverside South.

They're taking Riverside South (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=408708) in Canary Wharf instead.

Thanks to both of you for the information.

Wasn't JPM or some other NY bank going to build a new European HQ at Ropemaker Pl.? If it was JPM, I guess they just decided to go to the Wharf.

I think Bloomberg are considering it as their European headquarters.

http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/481/s10514181024x768zz6.jpg

thanks for these excellent photos today farry :)

^^^^

Doesn't actually look all that bad in PFarrey's snap there - probably the best I've seen this building look IMO.

Nice photo, where was this taken from?

Vertigo 42 I presume (at the top of Tower 42), lucky bugger!

thanks for these excellent photos today farry :)

No probs :) I have to say it looks dated already IMO. Cladding too dark and it just seems such an oppressive block. Makes me appreciate Plantation Place!

Vertigo 42 I presume (at the top of Tower 42), lucky bugger!

Thats right. Its open to the public, anyone welcome. Drinks are expensive but there is no entrance fee so if you want a view of London from high up its the best, better than the Eye IMO.

Oh right, for some reason I assumed you had to book and it was all a bit of an expensive hassle. So anyone can go up for just a drink or two and take pics?

you do have to make a reservation, unless thats changed. no charges though. my advice go up with some friends, and a camera :)

Sorry Gothic is right you do still need to make a reservation but I have never had a problem getting a time slot. AFAIK you can't spend the whole evening there, I have never tried as I am not a millionaire. Certainly has the WOW factor and anyone I have taken there has been extremely impressed.

Right, thanks guys, thought as much, but certainly seems worth doing after seeing your pics PFarrey, amazing views (and photos!).

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/luke82/BuildingPics170209009.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/luke82/BuildingPics170209008.jpg

From some angles this looks interesting. From others, not so. I don't have a camera with me, but from Golden Lane estate, it's particularly ugly. You can't see any of the variation in plan, just a big grey cube.

I think the cladding is just much too dark - it's been designed to look good in very sunny weather, which we simply don't get enough of.

^^ I agree, it's perfect for Dallas.

Trouble is, I cant really see a solution. Can glass boxes be beautiful?

Hmm, I did quite like this - much more than most, and still do from many angles, plus I love the density with Citypoint. However, in that second photo it looks soo 80s and oppressive :ohno:

Is it my imagination or have they changed the angle of this webcam?

http://www.siteeyelive.com/monitor/camputer7.jpg

The cladding is actually pretty good on this, but like NBTD has said it would look great on sunny day, but the way it's hemmed in and our grey weather gives it a kind of sinister look. Would do well as the HQ for an evil corporation! ;)

The cladding is actually pretty good on this, but like NBTD has said it would look great on sunny day, but the way it's hemmed in and our grey weather gives it a kind of sinister look. Would do well as the HQ for an evil corporation! ;)

So that's a cert' for tenancy then ...

Lol - I don't think I really like this building - so why the hell can't I stop taking pictures of it? I think it's the relationship with City Point and the way they sit next to each other on the Ropemaker St side.
But this side is awful;

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/270209023.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/270209037.jpg

A bit better;

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/270209049.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/270209044.jpg

Ever had an annoying little brother?

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/270209072.jpg

Great photos Fitz, I love the first one with the light.

Photos 3 and 4 are super dense, could we be Japan on somewhere like, there's a real canyon feel there.

Must admit Ropemaker looks much better in the sun.

Let's be honest here, this is only a shade of cladding away from resembling No 1 The Gateway. My only hope is the 'greenery' is visible to soften it up.

Thanks Rickster - yes it's that canyon feeling I like as well. The two sheer cliff-faces so close to each other is kind of thrilling.

Trees on the roofs have arrived.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3337/3335776608_26cae2ba3c_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3573/3335778006_bf877a3fa8_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3383/3335778954_786951c3ea_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3399/3334944733_7edfb83cd6_b.jpg

coming to this from the 20FC thread puts that project in its true perspective. 20FC is unusual for sure but, compared to this it's genius.

I'm with you, I dont really what to think of this building. It depends on the angle you see it and on the daylight.

But liking a building in a certain angle and in a certain light is not a sign of great architecture.

bit disappointing really. bland and uninspiring

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/270209023.jpg

that would be such a gorgeous view of citypoint in that light if not for the lump infront of it.

am not sure what to think of ropemaker really though. not seen it myself even.

So are bloomberg moving into Ropemaker place?

snippet from propertyweek...

Canadian bank Toronto Dominion is also believed to have shortlisted two schemes for its requirement of between 45,000 sq ft and 100,000 sq ft: British Land’s Ropemaker scheme next to City Place and Hammerson’s 60 Threadneedle Street.

The City still awaits the completion of the letting of around 170,000 sq ft to Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi at British Land’s Ropemaker scheme.

So much interest in this, I can see it being filed quite soon. Just one or two more lettings at the BG Tower, and 122 Leadenhall could be on much firmer footing:)

yes get them in that ugly building and start the real beauty that is Leadenhall.

yes get them in that ugly building and start the real beauty that is Leadenhall.

it's really not that ugly, i think you'll appreciate it more if you see it in real life. i quite like it a lot. with the heron tower there'll be quite a nice and snazzy little cluster.

give ropemaker a chance!

it's really not that ugly, i think you'll appreciate it more if you see it in real life. i quite like it a lot. with the heron tower there'll be quite a nice and snazzy little cluster.

give ropemaker a chance!

Yes, and it'll be an exceedingly dense little cluster, proper street canyon which is always exciting.
I like it too, could be better when seen from the north, but still, not a dreadful building by any stretch. Plus when the trees are on it and out in summer it'll look better

What is this talk of 'clusters'... have you missed that this is a stumpy little building and not a skyscraper by any stretch of the imagination. The less said about this building the better, I just hope it is filled quickly and as a side effect helps towards 122LH being built.

What is this talk of 'clusters'... have you missed that this is a stumpy little building and not a skyscraper by any stretch of the imagination. The less said about this building the better, I just hope it is filled quickly and as a side effect helps towards 122LH being built.

jesus...

this man is on serious drugs.

jesus...

this man is on serious drugs.

:lol: how would you characterise this building - a skyscraper? It isn't even 100m tall. What sort of 'cluster' is it a part of?

:lol: how would you characterise this building - a skyscraper? It isn't even 100m tall. What sort of 'cluster' is it a part of?

it clearly protrudes above surrounding buildings. it is so obviously a skyscraper.

don't be so myopic. just don't.

it is so obviously a skyscraper.


Well... we'll just have to differ on that ;)

If one takes the definition of skyscraper to mean something around either 150m or 500 feet then this building is nowhere near either definition.

We have had this debate on so many occasions on so many threads! Perhaps a definition should be stickified to prevent us going over it again and again.

In the case of Ropemaker, it impacts on the surroundings with a couple of others and is therefore can be defined as a skyscraper.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skyscraper

Quote: A loose convention in the United States and Europe now draws the lower limit of a skyscraper at 150 meters (500 ft).[1] A skyscraper taller than 300 meters (984 ft) may be referred to as supertall. Shorter buildings are still sometimes referred to as skyscrapers if they appear to dominate their surroundings.

Fine, but 96m in the context of the City does not dominate its surroundings does it? The largest concentration of tall buildings in the country with the exception of Canary Wharf.

The definition of skyscraper may not be set in a dictionary and you can lower the bar all you want but to call a 96m building a skyscraper to me is laughable.

c'mon ... a lot of stuff debated on this site isn't ever goin to scrape the sky!

Fine, but 96m in the context of the City does not dominate its surroundings does it? The largest concentration of tall buildings in the country with the exception of Canary Wharf.

The definition of skyscraper may not be set in a dictionary and you can lower the bar all you want but to call a 96m building a skyscraper to me is laughable.


Eh? But its not in the City cluster, is it?

In any case, you seem to be over upset by the whole thing...who is lowering the bar? Its just information available to everyone is it not? Its not that important.

c'mon ... a lot of stuff debated on this site isn't ever goin to scrape the sky!
Yes and that is fine, because people don't call those buildings skyscrapers or refer to them as part of a 'cluster'.

Eh? But its not in the City cluster, is it?

In any case, you seem to be over upset by the whole thing...who is lowering the bar? Its just information available to everyone is it not? Its not that important.
I just get tired of reading bollocks I guess. Some people seem to be living in a dream world or parallel universe where the City has some sort of cluster of skyscrapers which is worthy of the name; the one I've seen doesn't, not just yet.

What is this talk of 'clusters'... have you missed that this is a stumpy little building and not a skyscraper by any stretch of the imagination. The less said about this building the better, I just hope it is filled quickly and as a side effect helps towards 122LH being built.


I was referring to the aforementioned 'cluster' as just that; a cluster of office buildings, you're the only person who has decreed that we must be talking about this bloody Boris styley notion of a 'London skyscraper cluster'! I never suggested that Ropemaker is in any way a skyscraper; I just returned from Hong Kong and the idea of it as a 'raper is laughable.
Is it not possible to have a cluster of cottages, of churches, of bungalows..?In this sense it is simply part of a rather dense cluster of large office buildings which is what I was implying, and thus the rather interesting canyon effect. Chill out with your concrete definitions mate, oh, and I am so sorry if I have in any way induced a part of your fatigue..

i... with the heron tower there'll be quite a nice and snazzy little cluster

errr ... Heron is surely 1/2 a mile further East ... hardly in this cluster?

errr ... Heron is surely 1/2 a mile further East ... hardly in this cluster?

it's the one in barbican. it's called the heron.

it's the one in barbican. it's called the heron.

that's goin to lead to some misdirected mail when THE Heron Tower opens ... :nuts:

that's goin to lead to some misdirected mail when THE Heron Tower opens ... :nuts:

Ha, you're not wrong! It really is rather stupid to have them both called Heron

love this building...

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/5154RopemakerPlace_pic13.jpg

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/5154RopemakerPlace_pic12.jpg

the cladding is rather amazing

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/5154RopemakerPlace_pic14.jpg

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/5154RopemakerPlace_pic2.jpg

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/5154RopemakerPlace_pic1.jpg

Awesome photos :applause:

Great pics indeed. However I think this area is one of the ugliest in London.

Er I dunno on some sides the cladding is indeed amazing but on other its crap.

Er I dunno on some sides the cladding is indeed amazing but on other its crap.

I agree, from certain angles the cladding produces an interesting effect - but there are far too many ugly sides and the massing is terrible.

Also, as i mentioned before, without some sun and a cloudless sky the nice effects of the cladding are lost.

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/5154RopemakerPlace_pic13.jpg

I mean wtf?

Great pics indeed. However I think this area is one of the ugliest in London.

Really? Moorgate is a pretty decent area. If you call moorgate ugly, well I think you'd run out of words to describe other parts.

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/5154RopemakerPlace_pic1.jpg

I like the building in this pic, it will look quite good with some trees on the setbacks.

Definitely a winner in the best dressed obnoxious lump catagory. A couple of those shots are gorgeous. What a pity it isn't a 60 floor scraper. Coaxed in the right direction British Land are a superb developer. But they are a developer and will work up the biggest profit in the framework they are given. The framework is to blame.

Really? Moorgate is a pretty decent area. If you call moorgate ugly, well I think you'd run out of words to describe other parts.

Well maybe ugly is the wrong word, but I found the area to be soulless and boring. No shops, cafés etc.

I really don't like this building. The cladding might be good as a concept but en mass it just looks terrible. Bland soulless and BLUE?? Black would of looked better. I think it reminds me of the buildings being demolished now in the city, seen as a mistake in hindsight.

Nope! I agree with James, I think this building (considering its remit, which we often forget is where the architect has to remain) has done a good job. Its not bland or common and its got some little quirks that seem to be superfluous and are therefore embelishment....its not a bad addition to our city.

I really don't like this building. The cladding might be good as a concept but en mass it just looks terrible. Bland soulless and BLUE?? Black would of looked better. I think it reminds me of the buildings being demolished now in the city, seen as a mistake in hindsight.

not really blue at all... it's reflective. whole facades are actually black -

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/5154RopemakerPlace_pic4.jpg

I agree, from certain angles the cladding produces an interesting effect - but there are far too many ugly sides and the massing is terrible.

Also, as i mentioned before, without some sun and a cloudless sky the nice effects of the cladding are lost.

when it looks lovely it looks lovely and when it looks god aweful it looks god aweful. my opinion. this is the same opinion i have of beetham tower manchester. sometimes it looks mingtastic and other times it looks orgasmic!

mingtastic:

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/132BeethamTowerManchester_pic1.jpg

orgasmic:

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/132BeethamTowerManchester_pic44.jpg

This looks great from the Citypoint plaza - all fragmented and varied, but so blocky and dull from the other side. I guess the money only stretches so far :(

Its is strangely lickable though as if it would give a taste of zingy blue raspberry or something on the tongue

I think the Beetham would of worked better if the cladding was more subtle, I quiet like it many ways but other earlier residential schemes by Simpson are approached with a less faddish manner and are far better for it. I think he needs to avoid the random stripy cladding ensemble and try something else for a change.

well here's a money shot of ropemaker

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/5154RopemakerPlace_pic3.jpg

that looks great.
there is some fenestration waiting to be attached, so really it's a construction photo. doubt anyone will notice though.

yes, i think i'll "finish" the building myself.

Gothic's photo is amazing, Ropemaker really shines on a sunny day, the cladding is sublime. Now just imagine it at double height.

185,000 sq foot signed for last thursday with an optional 40,000 sq foot - according to an "exclusive" in todays City AM - think it was bank of mitsubishi or something?

Anyway it is a done deal - sorry if this has already been reported!

The quicker this building gets rented out, the quicker British land will focus on 122 Leadenhall.

British Land signs first tenant at Ropemaker in City
www.propertyweek
15:11 | 07.04.09

By Deirdre Hipwell

Bank of Tokyo has signed up for more than 220,000 sq ft at British Land’s Ropemaker development in the City of London, the biggest deal for the market so far this year and the first pre-let at the scheme.

As tipped by Property Week 24.10.08, the banks two divisions – Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ and Mitsubishi UFJ Securities International – have pre-let nine floors, or 186,518 sq ft in the development, with options for a further 42,654 sq ft.

It has taken the space at an initial rent of £46.50/sq ft, with 48 months rent free, on a 20.5-year lease.

There is a minimum uplift to £52.50/sq ft at the first review in 2014.

Chris Grigg, chief executive of British Land, said: ‘The agreement is very welcome progress, representing some 50 per cent of City office space taken up so far this year, and is in line with our target to let one third of new space prior to completion.’

The 586,000 sq ft Ropemaker development reaches practical completion this summer.

The deal means that up to 38% of the building is pre-let.

The banks are co-locating from Finsbury Circus and 6 Broadgate.

Knight Frank advised BTMU and MUSI; Jones Lang LaSalle and CB Richard Ellis represented British Land.

great pics james (you inspired me to go and take a look myself), and great news re the tenant. here's some from me:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3542/3420664541_05f1bf0a70_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3324/3421473402_d4bc8bb04f_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3604/3420666503_e595a9ddfb_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3582/3420669203_74cc1e73d6_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3300/3420670999_0c76934543_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3331/3420672115_b5e8f6c106_b.jpg

do you have a polarising filter on the camera? i really recommend you get one, it makes the colours of the light reflecting off the glass MUCH stronger. as a special bonus here's a shot of citypoint, i really need to do it when there is no traffic!

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/81Citypoint_pic1.jpg

i do have one yeah, but sometimes the effect is not so strong and i'm not sure why... it does have a bezel but i'm not convinced turning it increases the effect, does yours?

here is one of broadgate tower where it DID work:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3556/3379905952_0fc937e4c1_b.jpg

turning DOES increase the effect substantially. you may not be able to see this on the camera monitor though, it depends how good your camera is, my last one i could never tell the difference with it. you'll definitely be able to see it post processing. i always shoot with a CPF unless it's cloudy which is why i get those natural gradients in the sky and glass can look amazing. get the angle right with the light right and you get effects like this naturally produced -

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/81Citypoint_pic13.jpg

to get this effect you need to go out when the sun is at its brightest, shortly after midday and its behind you. the buildings will be over exposed unless you change the camera settings which makes the sky under exposed and extremely dark blue. i have actually photographed where the sky has been near black.

Wow, fantastic pics chaps, best pics I've seen of ropemaker by a country mile and I have to say it looks fantastic in them! They show that it does have a successful relationship withh Citypoint from certain angles and despite it's ungainly bulk the cladding and general quality is top class.

to get this effect you need to go out when the sun is at its brightest, shortly after midday and its behind you. the buildings will be over exposed unless you change the camera settings which makes the sky under exposed and extremely dark blue. i have actually photographed where the sky has been near black.

cheers, i think i will experiment more with the filter. let's hope for some more great weather this easter :)

Great pics wawd, I don't like this building at all but I must admit that you chose angles and carefully framed the shots etc. to make it look highly attractive! I'm glad you brought out some positive qualities about the building.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y6/eddyk2/ropermakerplace.jpg
I tried to render some trees in.

The cladding on this seems top notch, its just the massing of the building that gets me. Its far to bulky.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y6/eddyk2/ropermakerplace.jpg
I tried to render some trees in.

good work, really adds to it

I must say, I quite like Ropemaker, it's definitely my favourite midrise project along with 100 MS. Those last few pictures are especially good of it.

Yeah....Im a big fan of this building (cringe)
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/912/rm5.jpg (http://img151.imageshack.us/my.php?image=rm5.jpg)

Couple more 'old ones' from the site...not sure if I shared them with you already !
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/3977/rm3.jpg (http://img151.imageshack.us/my.php?image=rm3.jpg)

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/913/rm4.jpg (http://img151.imageshack.us/my.php?image=rm4.jpg)

And a new 'sport' invented.....:lol:
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/332/rm2.jpg (http://img151.imageshack.us/my.php?image=rm2.jpg)

CRAZY :lol: You sir, are definately genius. How d'you get up all these buildings?

You my friend, are mental :D

How d'you get up all these buildings?

I have special suction pads attached on my hands and feet......no one ever takes any notice, especially if I am wearing my spiderman pyjamas !

i shall be giving you a run for your money soon. i have access to six hundred of the buggers across the uk and a pass... :)

so show us the pics...?

So is this building going to look like the hanging Garden's of Babylon with all the tree's? or is that just in the render.

so show us the pics...?

:lol:

So is this building going to look like the hanging Garden's of Babylon with all the tree's? or is that just in the render.

... you wish! I doubt the corporate budget will stretch to more than perfunctory greenery.

A few box hedges then and a token cherry tree.

Well it doesn't look like the Hanging Gardens - but it will probably be very nice on the terraces;http://www.townshendla.com/projects/london/ropemaker-29/

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/01-1.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/02.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/03TOWNSHENDLANDSCAPE.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/09.jpg

that looks great i hope they follow this through

Oh they will..its a condition of the planning approval. The question is will it be a "Barrett" job, where they plant the things and then leave em to die!

... and who looks after the plants if the offices are unlet? Is there a Ropemaker Gardener? Does he/she have a little shed somewhere for their tools. A nice shed on those terraces would really chill the corporate vibe ... no? :grouphug:

a garden shed! haha...

In Search of England's Green and Pleasant Land, London (BBC iPlayer) demonstrates how roof top gardens in London will create an wildelife-corridor spreading from Essex through Canary Wharf and the heart of London, and eventually spreading further west. Bizzarly some of the highrise buildings in CW already have dry grasslands on roofs such as the Barclay Building and this is already set out as conditions in planning. Wood Wharf will have grassland on roof tops as well as manicured vegetation. We just don't see most of it.

Can't be that many species capable of living on a rooftop though? Other than birds and insects? Maybe they can start having some ropes between rooftops so that squirrels can move about? :|

I suppose it doesn't matter mind, can hardly do any harm to have extra greenspace, can it?

After being hounded continually by those pesky rodents with tails for food in Regents park, its fair to say London has got its fair share of squirrels.

In Search of England's Green and Pleasant Land, London (BBC iPlayer) demonstrates how roof top gardens in London will create an wildelife-corridor spreading from Essex through Canary Wharf and the heart of London, and eventually spreading further west. Bizzarly some of the highrise buildings in CW already have dry grasslands on roofs such as the Barclay Building and this is already set out as conditions in planning. Wood Wharf will have grassland on roof tops as well as manicured vegetation. We just don't see most of it.

This is all wonderful stuff.

Tis true that it would be difficult for our mammals, reptiles & amphibians to get up there but hey! We are not blessed with multiple representatives of those Phyla.

Fantastic environmentally for insects and birds. Safe from ground dwelling predators, maximum sunlight and event the heat island effect benefit the critters. Just what we need for butterlfies that have had a bad time due to the last two poor summers.

Although they should be careful and check whats going on up there! Has anyone seen the classic B'movie 'The winged Serpent' where a giant mythical creature is found to be living on top of the Chrysler Building!

Yes...but it turned out to be a rubber model fortunately

A moving tale of rent-free office blocks
(http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-business/article-23680372-details/Sister+act+may+be+dull+but+it+doesn't+half+matter+to+P&O/article.do)
24.04.09

Fancy a nice new office in the City? Think about it, now. A Japanese bank last week set a precedent that has chilled the bones of landlords holding vacant space.

The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi has saved itself £35 million in rent, because it will not be paying a single penny for the first four years.

The deal has been done with British Land to take 38% of Ropemaker place, which lies next door to the Chiswell Street Brewery.

The office tower boasts very special windows that stick out and shade the cladding, thus saving a fortune in air-conditioning bills.

The developer is naturally keen to maintain the fiction that the rent for the 187,000 sq ft of space is £46.50 per sq ft for the first five years, which comes to about £43 million.

But with four years rent-free, the real outlay until 2014 is closer to £8 million, more like a tenner a square foot.

British Land isn't crazy. In 2015, the rent leaps to £52.50 for the next 15 years. So don't go asking your current landlord for a reduction to £10. Move.

When they say they won't pay for the first 4 years, it doesn't mean its free surely its a delayed payment rather than a complete waiver. Otherwise it makes no sense to let out property for 4 years for free.

http://www.britishland.com/pressrelease070409.htm

Reading that, the average rent will be £46.50 over 20.5 years. The first 4 years isn't rent free but will be recouped (via the minmum uplift at 2014). British Land arent creating a fictitous figure when they say £46.50. Think of it as a credit line although he would have been correct in saying that the present discounted value of the payments which "recoup" the rent free period is lower (probably quite a bit lower if someone can be bothered to work it out, £6 per sq ft every year for 15 years from year 5 onwards).

http://i43.tinypic.com/spekg5.jpg

The gardens looks pretty nice and they're going to get a great view.

wow, that looks really good.

When they say they won't pay for the first 4 years, it doesn't mean its free surely its a delayed payment rather than a complete waiver. Otherwise it makes no sense to let out property for 4 years for free.

http://www.britishland.com/pressrelease070409.htm

Reading that, the average rent will be £46.50 over 20.5 years. The first 4 years isn't rent free but will be recouped (via the minmum uplift at 2014). British Land arent creating a fictitous figure when they say £46.50. Think of it as a credit line although he would have been correct in saying that the present discounted value of the payments which "recoup" the rent free period is lower (probably quite a bit lower if someone can be bothered to work it out, £6 per sq ft every year for 15 years from year 5 onwards).

Quite an amazing deal! It sounds a little like sub-prime lending, though hopefully for BL and its funders, the bank is good for the credit. I wonder if this deal is insured? I guess this type of deal will be increasingly commonplace as commercial building owners compete to rent their new space, and while finance companies etc. want to save cash to rebuild their liquidity. If so, only developers with deep pockets and long lines of credit may survive this present financial situation.

http://i43.tinypic.com/spekg5.jpg

The gardens looks pretty nice and they're going to get a great view.

wow. that all looks very manhattan.

^^great shots!

from last weekend:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3652/3485929299_7877e7e355_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3318/3485928713_43b49e0d5e_b.jpg

Love the last view :)
The (other) Heron seems to be indefinitely delayed, so we can enjoy it for a while yet!

must say that in real life the cladding is rather fantastical. It also looks good from Finsbury Sq.

Nice shots wawd - you always find great angles.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3646/3488107917_1512109831.jpg?v=0

Out playing with new camera today - this thing photographs so easily :)
(no bigger version, I got the focus bad :ohno:)

Love it! Well Done!

Yes, for all its faults this is a new building with real presence. Its monolithic form gives off a powerful, almost threatening quality - yet the cladding is so sleek and bespoke it is like an exquisitely tailored thug. You're in awe of it even as it wallops you over the head and nicks your wallet.

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/220509010.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/220509014.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/220509024.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/220509022.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/220509011.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/220509008.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/220509033.jpg

love this building.

Loving those last perspective shots!

Once again, great pics Fitz, my fav is the third down, very artistic!

This building really does have some interesting idea's going but as a whole I still don't think the building is beautiful, far from it.

building and sky are one in that third pic! love it

A glorified box it may be, but it has it's good angles, and looks pretty sleek in the flesh. Can't complain too much.

some of the cladding panels seemed to have condensation issues last time I went past. hopefully that's just temporary and will clear up over time...

Fitz ... you managed a silk purse from a pig's ear

A glorified box it may be, but it has it's good angles, and looks pretty sleek in the flesh. Can't complain too much.

Agree

Can't say I'm overtly impressed with this one. You can get some interesting photos at certain angles from it, but it's so clunky, chunky, dark and foreboding, but without any of the charm that other similar structures of that ilk have. Will have to come again once Milton Court goes up, at the moment it just feels so inelegant. I like the jaunty windows though when you see them from below.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3613/3563144471_faa5941f0b_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3390/3563135841_5e70b51847_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2460/3563134433_79c0765b77_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3616/3563132345_9ccb056d9b_b.jpg



http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3630/3563938222_fd4b376d62_b.jpg

I really think this building should of been clad in even darker cladding than it is now, black even. I have to say , from 'some' angles the windows look great.

copying from general London thread...
British Land secures Macquarie at Ropemaker Place

09:20 | 05.02.10

British Land has tied up a huge City of London letting to Australian bank Macquarie Group.

The REIT said this morning that it had agreed non-binding of terms with Macquarie, which has agreed to occupy 217,000 sq ft of space at its 595,000 sq ft Ropemaker Place.

The letting continues British Land’s leasing success in the building – nearly 80% is now let - following deals with Bank Tokyo-Mitsubishi, Mitsubishi UFJ Securities, Liberum Capital and Mint Equities.

“Ropemaker Place is a highly attractive and sustainable building that allows us to bring all our London operations together into one location,” said Andrew Hunter, senior managing director and head of Macquarie in Europe said.

I know the proportions of this one are a bit heavy and over bearing, but when viewed from next to Citypoint I don't think it looks terrible:

http://personal.rhul.ac.uk/uhaa/037/img_2449.jpg

http://personal.rhul.ac.uk/uhaa/037/img_2450.jpg

here's some shots of the interior etc

and empty floor about to be fitted out

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/5154RopemakerPlace_pic17.jpg

what the fit out looks like

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/5154RopemakerPlace_pic18.jpg

and here... made me want to skate!

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/5154RopemakerPlace_pic19.jpg

this isn't a terrace for actual use... it's more for decorative purposes to be "enjoyed" from inside the offices

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/5154RopemakerPlace_pic20.jpg

this IS for actual use.

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/5154RopemakerPlace_pic21.jpg

the largest atrium in the building is here. hopefully they will end up putting some trees in it.

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/5154RopemakerPlace_pic22.jpg

Quality stuff, GF.