an office is an office is an office. Not bothered about inside as that will be much the same as any other contemporary office. Just the raw architecture. Almost prefer it before it's decorated and fitted out ...

Apart from the Heron having the 3-storey gardens for each office cluster. That'll be a bit of a change from any other contemporary office!

Apart from the Heron having the 3-storey gardens for each office cluster. That'll be a bit of a change from any other contemporary office!

A garden isn't architecture and certaintly aint the reason I follow these threads ... anyway, I'll believe these gardens when I see 'em ... they don't have a great track record of surviving into reality.

took the pics this time from alternative views...

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/59HeronTower_pic31.jpg

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/59HeronTower_pic32.jpg

I just used the render to see where it is up to, and it is actully much more to go than I thought! Its starting to become quite mind boggling what a monster this is really going to be, I mean it already looks that that from the pictures.

a monster by UK standards but its not really, there should be lots of buildings this size in UK. Pity though it doesn't happen quickly due to history and a***cheek bodies like english heritage. we live in a country that prefers to spend millions invading others and messing them up, than improving our own! :(

I'd rather we didn't have "lots of buildings this size in UK". It would make the UK less special if you will.
Call me crazy, but I love the fact that the UK is a major player in world economics and yet do not have huge symbols of power to prove this.

The way we are progressing is perfect.

i don't agree. there should be more tall stuff. the countryside is being ploughed up to build housing estates because london development gets stifled. it's a classic case of bad mircoeconomics, where the social cost of limiting development is greater than the benefits but the decision making process doesn't focus on more than a few square miles meaning the negative impacts of a decision by westminster council are not theirs to deal with. if only we could initiate "NIMBY trading permits". then the social cost of being a nimby would have to be borne by the nimbies, for a change!

Yesterday

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3629/3428231129_584e64a497_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3412/3428232349_ef60bc3e33_b.jpg

^ The next two floors have appeared! :)

thats why i photographed it from the back. you can see the first few columns starting there.

Exciting pics. It's tall enough to be a midrise now... yet still barely a quarter of the way up. :)

Will cladding appear on this before T/O?

^ I would imagine so, unless we get another scenario like Willis, but that's unlikely.

I still struggling to visual the cladding on the Camomile Street side, I can picture all of the other sides but I can't work out how it will look on this side. Also what the "brackets" on this side for? I presume the cladding but again I can't work it out.

The brackets are where the lifts will be.

Couple of images from GMJ

http://i41.tinypic.com/m79yzn.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/swzk8x.jpg

Love the water, hope they do it.

It looks like it will be a bit like the area around More London.

I noticed it is just starting to become visible from the Southbank when you are positioned around the Oxo Tower area. I have a new camera now so I'll see if I can get a shot when I walk to work. From that angle the cluster will look brilliant. I think it will fill the gap between Tower 42 and Bishopsgate (when built).

I presume those imagines show Baby Heron as the other tower there.

Heron is showing its age especially where it meets the ground. A bit like the Shard, there's no transition, no effort to favour continuity.

The water feature could be cool though. I certainly prefer how Swiss Re and the Pinnacle hit the ground.

Heron is showing its age especially where it meets the ground. A bit like the Shard, there's no transition, no effort to favour continuity.

The water feature could be cool though. I certainly prefer how Swiss Re and the Pinnacle hit the ground.I disagree. I was really impressed at how classic modernist skyscrapers, especially those of Mies van der Rohe, met the ground in Chicago. The great mass of those towers simply dissolved atop skeletal piloti, floor-to-ceiling plate glass, and the apparent uninterrupted continuation of the street into the lobby. The closest we have here are probably the St Helen's Tower or the Bank Street towers at Canary Wharf, but they're still not as good as the American originals. Heron Tower's base looks very similar to that of a Mies tower. It's a simple and very elegant solution, light-as-a-feather! :)

Sometimes I try to figure you...as a half hearted guy that doesn't seem to know exactly where he stands. A Ralph Lauren Type worshipping minimalism while indulging the grandeur and chichi of Belgravia...but dispising Paris...where he should definitely live! :D (I'm joking :))

Mies died in 1969. Radical thinking has made way to more contextual considerations. Zaha Hadid and many before her, broke from the discontinuous and helped us imagining something else inbetween the ground and the air.

^ I love Paris. I don't despise it at all! It's not as perfect as some imagine, especially the common fantasy on the UK forum of its traffic-free public spaces (have they been to Paris? :dunno: ), and I do think it's less exciting than London or New York because all of Paris's big new buildings are happening so far from the centre, but it's still the most beautiful and elegant of the world's large metropoli. And yes I love the elegant districts of West/Central London too (though Belgravia's not my favourite - too old and boring). They're beautiful and well preserved in the same way as the wealthy arrondisements of Paris. However when it comes to modernism I generally like my buildings simple, elegant, and rational. I'm not the greatest fan of Zaha Hadid, Libeskind, Gehry etc. Occasionally they do pull off a masterpiece. I was certainly impressed by Gehry's effort in LA (and I imagine Bilbao to have similar quality). However their style seems to have no intellectual principals and one often has the impression of "trying too hard". This is even more the case with their cheaper immitators. A Zaha or even Pinnacle style entrance would look totally incongruous on the simple modernist Heron Tower. Yes perhaps it does look dated now. One can say the same of HT5. They looked bang up to the minute when they were designed, but they were held up so long that they look a decade old by the time they are built. However that doesn't detract from their essential quality. They're the best of late 90s/early 00s design, and good design is timeless. :)

Another one from GMJ;

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

^ I love Paris. I don't despise it at all! It's not as perfect as some imagine, especially the common fantasy on the UK forum of its traffic-free public spaces (have they been to Paris? :dunno: ), and I do think it's less exciting than London or New York because all of Paris's big new buildings are happening so far from the centre, but it's still the most beautiful and elegant of the world's large metropoli. And yes I love the elegant districts of West/Central London too (though Belgravia's not my favourite - too old and boring). They're beautiful and well preserved in the same way as the wealthy arrondisements of Paris. However when it comes to modernism I generally like my buildings simple, elegant, and rational. I'm not the greatest fan of Zaha Hadid, Libeskind, Gehry etc. Occasionally they do pull off a masterpiece. I was certainly impressed by Gehry's effort in LA (and I imagine Bilbao to have similar quality). However their style seems to have no intellectual principals and one often has the impression of "trying too hard". This is even more the case with their cheaper immitators. A Zaha or even Pinnacle style entrance would look totally incongruous on the simple modernist Heron Tower. Yes perhaps it does look dated now. One can say the same of HT5. They looked bang up to the minute when they were designed, but they were held up so long that they look a decade old by the time they are built. However that doesn't detract from their essential quality. They're the best of late 90s/early 00s design, and good design is timeless. :)

The problem is we have too many "Starchitects" as James Howard Kunstler calls them. Including the ones you mention. These architects develop an overt signature style that has more to do with how something looks - not how it functions. Personally I can't stand Gehry's work for this reason. Piano's Shard, on the other hand, combines a distinctive style that is very much his own, without compromising the basic functionality of the building. Same with Rogers' Leadenhall (:ohno:)

^ Yeah I'm also a much bigger fan of Rogers and Piano. I rate Foster, KPF, and Calatrava too. I still think Gehry has done some good buildings however.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not a fan of look at me architecture and I share your dislike of Gerhy. The places he creates are nonsense and difficult to inhabit. The buildings themselves are not of the highest quality too. His stata Center in Boston is vile for function and his corner building in Prague is destroying the street experience.

I would really like to see a big Zaha building. Unfortunately I haven't yet.

Starchitects or not, the way you meet the ground has evolved. I'm not only talking of Miniskirt a la Pinnacle nor retro future travelators a la Phare tower, La Defense.

^ You don't like the dancing house in Prague? I do. I think that's really good! Of the three of them (the other two being Hadid and Libeskind) I like Gehry the most. However I just don't think that random swoops and curves will improve Heron's base. I think it's better off simple and minimalist as it is now. The Pinnacle's skirt works with the curves on the rest of the tower. What other curves are there on Heron?

I dont see the problem with the way Heron meets the ground at all. The whole building has a refreshingly simple look to it and will work well with the likes of Bishopsgate and hopefully Leadenhall, both of which have adventurous designs and need something to work against.

Given the general feel of the building an understaded ground level makes sense to me.

Oh, and you can log a positive vote from me for the dancing building. Prague is a tough city to pull off modern design as the new opera house shows only too clearly. Modern and baroque / medieval are uncomfortable bedfellows. The dancing building is one of the few modern building there that is generally well recieved.

i think london can absorb more architecture of the style of heron without it becoming repetitive. the reason is it has very little of this sort of thing anyway. and as for the way heron meets the ground, it's unique in the uk actually because there are no columns as high as that the meet the ground that way. it might look at bit tired in hong kong though.

Hello to everyone at Sky Scraper City, I'm new to posting but have been browsing these forums for about 7 years now and can't quite believe this baby is not only going up but at such a pace.

I love reading different arguments for and against proposals, it makes me think. I used to be of the mind that if it was high then build it but i think differently now, anyway, looking forward to having this baby T/O then can cross to south of the river and concentrate on LBT.

I work for a very well known airline, and as we come into Heathrow across the city Heron is really making it's presence known, will look fantastic when complete.

thanks again to everyone for the updates and those new ground level renders. :cheers:

Hello to everyone at Sky Scraper City, I'm new to posting but have been browsing these forums for about 7 years now and can't quite believe this baby is not only going up but at such a pace.

I love reading different arguments for and against proposals, it makes me think. I used to be of the mind that if it was high then build it but i think differently now, anyway, looking forward to having this baby T/O then can cross to south of the river and concentrate on LBT.

I work for a very well known airline, and as we come into Heathrow across the city Heron is really making it's presence known, will look fantastic when complete.

7 years lurking lol?

Nice of you to finally say hi lol.

Hello to everyone at Sky Scraper City, I'm new to posting but have been browsing these forums for about 7 years now and can't quite believe this baby is not only going up but at such a pace.

I love reading different arguments for and against proposals, it makes me think. I used to be of the mind that if it was high then build it but i think differently now, anyway, looking forward to having this baby T/O then can cross to south of the river and concentrate on LBT.

I work for a very well known airline, and as we come into Heathrow across the city Heron is really making it's presence known, will look fantastic when complete.

... you must be that pilot who announced, "we will soon be landing this baby at London Heathrow ..."

A few pics from today...

http://i693.photobucket.com/albums/vv295/nihildicit2/12Apr2009017.jpg

Two updates for the price of one... 100 Middlesex and Heron in a single shot.

http://i693.photobucket.com/albums/vv295/nihildicit2/12Apr2009021.jpg

http://i693.photobucket.com/albums/vv295/nihildicit2/12Apr2009030.jpg

http://i693.photobucket.com/albums/vv295/nihildicit2/12Apr2009031.jpg

b&w looks great ... particularly suits this building

Are they working even on an Easter Sunday?

Event the casual onlooker will start to show more interest in this structure now.

what's london's tallest steel fram building and i wonder if this is getting close to being it.

I think it's 1 Canada Square, followed by the Gherkin and Broadgate tower.

I think it's 1 Canada Square, followed by the Gherkin and Broadgate tower.

ah. i didn't know 1CS was but i must admit i didn't do any research. completely forgot about gherkin and broadgate. :doh:

They've jacked up Crane 1 I notice.

from this month's wired magazine, just posted it in the pinnacle thread and it's also relevant here:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3308/3435879682_de1138ddb5_o.png

http://www.wired.co.uk/promotions/sampler

A photo that I took a few days ago from my front room - from where I am 100 Middlesex Street is dominating at the moment (dont like that cladding). Impressive how quickly Heron Tower is going up though!
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb126/sirleighroy/April.jpg

do you need a roomie, leighroy? :|

With a view like that, I'd not complain about the cladding of 100MS :)

Jesus Christ that's a brilliant view you have. Welcome to the forum and please stick around... :)

1 Middlesex Street is going to be a minger. Random cladding is the brutalism of our times.

Random cladding is the brutalism of our times.

completely agree.

both are architects' attempts to justify arbitrary designs and break up what in reality is a dull piece of work.

only the best examples will make a lasting positive impact.

give it time - the white sections will soon turn to light grey and it won't look as awful. One upside of pollution.

^ The 'white' sections are actually metallic grey already.

And yes, i also agree that Random cladding is our version of brutalism - we'll be tearing them down/recladding the vast majority of them in 20 years time (Thank god)

What area is that leighroy? Whitechapel? Shoreditch? It's bloody close to the City.

What area is that leighroy? Whitechapel? Shoreditch? It's bloody close to the City.

Hi all- thanks for the welcome. My flat is just off Brick Lane (Chicksand Street) so have a good view of the buildings going up - if anyone can tell me where The Pinnacle is going to be in the pic I put up that would be cool. I want something to be built between the Gherkin and Tower 42.

As for 100 Middlesex Street - hmmmm not convinced.

The Pinnacle will be exactly between T42 and the Gherkin in that view.

1 Middlesex Street is going to be a minger. Random cladding is the brutalism of our times.

It's going to date otherwise high quality buildings (Strata, first and foremost) really badly.

Well there are no other towers in London with random cladding, so one wont hurt.


The cladding on 100 Middlesex looks fantastic up close though from street level.

One is one too many IMO - what are they thinking? About as tacky as Jack and Veras house on Coronation Street

It's going to date otherwise high quality buildings (Strata, first and foremost) really badly.

I don't think that Strata's is "random" - the pattern creates a clear striped effect, which will look great. Random cladding like middlesex's is different altogether. Agree with the comments that Middlesex is going to be a minger - it's buildings like this, rather than 20 Fenchurch, which give "tall" a bad name.

Shame, because its proportions are ok.

It's going to date otherwise high quality buildings (Strata, first and foremost) really badly.

Strata has possibly the best cladding I've ever seen. Up there with 99 Bishopsgate in terms of quality. It's nothing like 100 Middlesex, and I doubt it will age badly.

Strata has possibly the best cladding I've ever seen. Up there with 99 Bishopsgate in terms of quality. It's nothing like 100 Middlesex, and I doubt it will age badly.

Completely agree Will. Strata and 100 Middlesex are worlds apart. I've always wished 99 Bish was taller, such a sleekly/quality clad tower, and a rather pleasing shape too.

will 100 Middlesex Street stand out on the skyline? Will you be able to see it from Waterloo Bridge?

couple of phone photos today ...

http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv339/BorderBoy3/skyscraper2/skanska.jpg

http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv339/BorderBoy3/skyscraper2/heron.jpg

^^Thanks. Quite a feat of engineering to be digging basement floors top-down on such a constricted site, surely

it already looks like a sleek highrise at 12 storeys.. I can't imagine how it will look at 20... and then eventually at 47!

That last pic really gives it soar even at such a small height.

Nice update :)

Borderboy..I can see your ghost in that pic....

Nice update :)

Borderboy..I can see your ghost in that pic....

Yes! ... my cover is blown! :ohno:

Uh Oh!


http://www.contractjournal.com/Articles/2009/04/15/66786/heron-tower-steel-fabricator-in-administration.html

Heron Tower steel fabricator in administration

Acquisitive steelwork contractors are circling collapsed Yorkshire steel fabricator Allerton, after four companies in the group went into administration on Thursday.

Allerton Group, Allerton Industries, Allerton Engineering and Allerton Bridges were all put into the protection of administration due to "cash flow pressures", according to administrator Ernst & Young.

The 50-year-old firm is best known for its work on the Skanska's £242m Heron Tower project in London.

It won a deal last year to manufacture 3,000t of the heavier, complex basement-support steelwork elements for Severfield Rowen.

It is not known how Allerton's fall into administration will affect progress on the Heron Tower. Skanska and Severfield Rowen were not available to comment.

The company has also worked on the recent redevelopment of Landsdowne Road Stadium in Dublin.

Joint administrator Hunter Kelly of Ernst & Young indicated that he would attempt to sell Allerton Bridges and Allerton engineering as a going concern.

"The underlying business of Allerton Engineering and Allerton Bridges is profitable with a strong order book and a highly skilled workforce. We have already received expressions of interest from potential purchasers and are hopeful of achieving a successful outcome," he said.

In the meantime, the businesses, which employ 100 people are continuing to trade as their facilities in Northallerton.

It shouldn't effect Heron. The steel has already been fabricated.

Has all the steel been fabricated and ready?
Who's building the spire for this?

Well, all we can do at this stage is hope that Heron will continue to rise.

I'm sorry to hear that news. Hope our friend ffinybryn is doing ok. But if the companies are still trading and E&Y think they can sell them as going concerns then I don't think we have any reason to fear the worst.

I'm pretty sure ffinybryn mentioned that the steel was sat in 'storage' ready for construction. One of his comments was along the lines of how great it was to see the steel rising in London after sitting in a field for so long.

I also hope things are okay for him.

Here you go

Without giving too much information away, we may have already fabricated more than the next 10 floors of the main structure, (over 100 frames), but then again, we might not. ;)

Here you go

Thanks for your concern...

The ContractJournal headline is a very misleading and perhaps sensationalist.

My employer, Severfield-Rowen (the main steelwork contractor) continues to flourish.

http://www.cnplus.co.uk/news/business/severfield-rowen-to-grow-in-the-uk-and-overseas/1995894.article

The basement steelwork for Heron Tower up to the second floor (3000tn) was subcontracted to a local firm "Allerton Engineering", part of the "Allerton Bridge" group. This steelwork has now obviously been erected. It is THIS business which is currently seeking a buyer.

We (S-R) are continuing to fabricate and erect Heron Tower on budget and on time. Although (IMO) I believe some other minor contracts are still being carried out at Allerton Eng., this will either be completed by themselves or at worst could be finished off by ourselves.

Bottom line is that this will not effect the program, but is a sad reflection on the current economic climate.

"stuartbeales" is our skyscrapercity rep on the inside at Allerton Engineering. He may be able to shed some light on the situation.

Thanks for the clarification ffinybryn - glad to hear you and SR are unaffected by this. It is a shame that even on this - one of the major projects going ahead - firms like Allerton are still being affected.

Thanks ffinybryn. A serious impact on Heron Tower's construction does sound very unlikely. Hope all's well with stuartbeales.

Uh Oh!

http://www.contractjournal.com/Articles/2009/04/15/66786/heron-tower-steel-fabricator-in-administration.html

"The underlying business of Allerton Engineering and Allerton Bridges is profitable with a strong order book and a highly skilled workforce. We have already received expressions of interest from potential purchasers and are hopeful of achieving a successful outcome," he said.

Can someone explain how the above squares with a company being in administration??? :nuts:

Can someone explain how the above squares with a company being in administration???

they could have broken their borrowing covenants for example, or they might simply be unable to borrow money to pay for steel to fulfill a contract they haven't been paid for yet.

Can someone explain how the above squares with a company being in administration??? :nuts:

This is why part of the credit crunch is so totally ridiculous, good companies are being screwed because of short term cash flow problems that they would have easily been able to get credit for before.

they could have broken their borrowing covenants for example, or they might simply be unable to borrow money to pay for steel to fulfill a contract they haven't been paid for yet.

they wouldn't be put into administration for simply breaching covenants. Covenants are typically earning warning indicators, breaching of which often lead to requests for further collateral to be pledged or debt payment to be accelerated. Cash is king. They will have run out of free cash and been unable to either service their banking debts, or their trade creditors.

good progress on yonder tower by the way.

This was taken on 14th April. Viewed from St Paul's, it's just visible behind Angel Court -

http://www.flickr.com/photos/billmcintyre/3443016172/sizes/o/

This was taken on 14th April. Viewed from St Paul's, it's just visible behind Angel Court -

http://www.flickr.com/photos/billmcintyre/3443016172/sizes/o/

^^ Nice high res pic of one of our other jobs at New Change in the foreground. Thanks.

This was taken on 14th April. Viewed from St Paul's, it's just visible behind Angel Court -

http://www.flickr.com/photos/billmcintyre/3443016172/sizes/o/

You find a massive picture of One New Change and post it on the Heron Tower Thread because a slim beam of white steel is visible behind another building in the distant background but don't post the picture on the One New Change thread.

Edit
You're a gent Mr Fox

You find a massive picture of One New Change and post it on the Heron Tower Thread because a slim beam of white steel is visible behind another building in the distant background but don't post the picture on the One New Change thread.

Look it's the CN Tower

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/luke82/optical_illusion_2.jpg

^^
:laugh::lol::laugh::lol::laugh::lol::laugh:

not pc but ... can't resist it

Ha, good grief! Tbh rather too big for my liking!

^ I agree, I don't think london is ready for a tower the height of the CN Tower, would unbalance the skyline................;)

^^ Nice high res pic of one of our other jobs at New Change in the foreground. Thanks.


How many other projects do you have?

How many other projects do you have?

It's no secret to say that in London alone we are currently fabricating and erecting at New Change, Stratford Shopping Centre (and Olympic Stadium), Excel, St Botolphs, Heron Tower, and Riverbank, whilst finishing off More London. Plenty of construction going on in London despite the downturn. Gatuitous plug: www.sfrplc.com.

Only 2 that i wasn't aware of. Not bad going. Will check them out. Working on a little job with Gerry (sfrplc), at Heron soon i think.

Where is Excel?

Only 2 that i wasn't aware of. Not bad going. Will check them out. Working on a little job with Gerry (sfrplc), at Heron soon i think.

Where is Excel?

London Excel (Docklands) - Exhibition centre (extension job).

Will be seeing Gerry on-site next Friday... :okay:

Mr and Mrs Papadopoulos are also having there Kichen extended in Bow church :nuts::nuts:

Couple more dodgy pics I got this evening with my mobile.
She's really breaking free of the midrise clutter now... :cheers:
http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/4214/dsc0140ezp.jpg

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/5871/dsc0139mbr.jpg

at that height its already a skyscraper in reading. at what a quarter (or less) of the height. damn this is going to be big.

now it IS getting exciting. :banana:

at that height its already a skyscraper in reading. at what a quarter (or less) of the height. damn this is going to be big.

Well in any other city in the UK other than London it would be already pretty noticeable.

yes by European standards this is going to be quite a big *****. But what will we do when it gets so big, it won't fit in camera shots :(

Still a fair bit to go.



http://i42.tinypic.com/2s85u6o.jpg

yes by European standards this is going to be quite a big *****. But what will we do when it gets so big, it won't fit in camera shots :(

Vertical panoramas my friend ;) There was one done by Will a while ago if im not mistaken.

does anyone else find it really hard to see this as a 207m tower nevermind 247. To me in london lads estimation of constructed height it looks about just over just under 2/5ths built, when in actual fact its only 1/3rd built to roof level, and even less to top of spire.

I kind of see the top of this tower to be where the first step back is, which is no where near the actual roof, I think it is because it gets narrow very quicly so my eyes are seeing a large gap from the side of the building to the edge of the step backs. I reckon if the stepbacks were central I would probably not have a problem.

Is it just me being strange?

does anyone else find it really hard to see this as a 207m tower nevermind 247. To me in london lads estimation of constructed height it looks about just over just under 2/5ths built, when in actual fact its only 1/3rd built to roof level, and even less to top of spire.

I kind of see the top of this tower to be where the first step back is, which is no where near the actual roof, I think it is because it gets narrow very quicly so my eyes are seeing a large gap from the side of the building to the edge of the step backs. I reckon if the stepbacks were central I would probably not have a problem.

Is it just me being strange?

Just focus your eyes and concentrate on the tall thin part to the right and think of this as the main tower, and think of the other bit to the left as an add on. I just did this and it suddenly seems taller, but maybe i'm strange

isnt the first of the step backs a restaurant (3 floors in height), then the ones on top plant floors? Then the tallest part to the right houses the lift gearing, fire exits, antennae equipment etc i should imagine. So i would say the 'main' tower rises to the base of the spire, at 202 meters?

@ Andy 2008:
No no, I'm the same because at the end of the day, when you are going to be stood under it, the thin part is going to be visible its not like its going to be hidden away, as long as your stood on this side of the tower anyway...
Is it just te top of the lift shaft or is the highest floor in there?

thanks for the pics sirstan. on a friday night as well. exceptional effort!

http://www.skanska.co.uk/upload/Projects/Heron%20Tower%20progress%20updates.pdf

^^ excellent link - good effort. Makes me a bit nostalgic re: the anticipation generated by the sight of the first piledrivers, and then mobile cranes.

A few pics from today.

http://i693.photobucket.com/albums/vv295/nihildicit2/19Apr2009004.jpg

http://i693.photobucket.com/albums/vv295/nihildicit2/19Apr2009006.jpg

http://i693.photobucket.com/albums/vv295/nihildicit2/19Apr2009007.jpg

Hi guys

Thank you for the support. I am limited in what I am able to report, however there are some issues i would like to clarify for you.

The Allerton Group of businesses are being administered by Ernst and Young and the administrators are hoping for a successful sale as a 'going concern'.

Our clients have been fantastic in their support during this difficult time and to press we have not missed a beat in our manufacturing effort.

Severfield are a huge and very successful structural steel business and we traditionally 'assist' with their efforts on many projects however to a relatively small extent compared to their own massive manufacturing facilities. There is no chance whatsoever that our current difficulties will have one iota of impact on Heron or any of the other projects given the relative sizes of Allerton and Severfield.

I would add that Severfield Rowen have and continue to provide great support....they are indeed a pleasure to work with and you are all able to see tangible demonstration of their skill in building the various London projects HT, 1NC, St Botolphs, Riverbank etc etc.

So, SR is not only a great business but also a good friend to its smaller suppliers!

The Allerton Group encountered cash flow problems due mainly to historic acquisition activity leading to high leverage and gearing. The two subsidiary businesses Engineering and Bridges have demonstrated underlying profitability and as such the Joint Administrators are working towards a successful sale of the businesses to new ownership as soon as possible.

Meanwhile we have a good order book and the administrators are managing the affairs in a crisp and professional manner thereby allowing efficient and effective manufacturing to continue for our clients.

I hope that this clarifies some issues for you all and hope for a good outcome for Allerton and its highly motivated, skilled workforce.

Heron is rising and will continue to do so!

Kind regards

SB

I know people who work at Allerton, so I hope it goes well for you.

Couple more dodgy pics I got this evening with my mobile.
She's really breaking free of the midrise clutter now... :cheers:
http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/4214/dsc0140ezp.jpg

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/5871/dsc0139mbr.jpg

It is rising very quick now, which is strange coz most skyscrapers in London seem to take a life time!

thanks for the update Stuart. Testing times, but hope it goes well for you. Sounds like the underlying business is sound, and the order book substantial.

Anyway, a couple from me today.......

From Bishopsgate
http://img185.imageshack.us/img185/7143/img2610.jpg

Corner of Bishopsgate and London Wall
http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/8590/img2611l.jpg

Crib dangling, steel work upwards, or crane jacking observation?
http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/769/img2612.jpg

from the relative 'lush' greenery of St Botolphs with Bishopsgate
http://img516.imageshack.us/img516/353/img2613j.jpg

http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/4020/img2615k.jpg

is it me, or can you just see one of the cranes to the right of Citypoint on this from Primrose Hill?

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/2893/img2623t.jpg

Cheers for the (massive;)) pics!

Compare the first one with this...

http://i1.tinypic.com/nc1ap5.jpg

and you realise it still has a hell of a way to go!:cheers: It's going to be fantastic watching the lifts shoot up and down that side!

Thanks to Nihil Dicit too, and everyone else who is contributing!:cheers:

Looking at those pics, you can see the cranes have been tied in.
And
Hope it goes well for allerton

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/P1100321.JPG

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/P1100345.JPG

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/P1100260.JPG

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/tallheronpano.JPG

going to be a good view from Commercial Road

Stuart, thanks for taking the time to provide that encouraging update during what must be a trying time. Hope a good resolution is found before long.

Thanks for the pics, everyone. Jimbo just how big is your monitor?

Hi guys

Thank you for the support. <snip>

I would add that Severfield Rowen have and continue to provide great support....they are indeed a pleasure to work with and you are all able to see tangible demonstration of their skill in building the various London projects HT, 1NC, St Botolphs, Riverbank etc etc.

So, SR is not only a great business but also a good friend to its smaller suppliers!

<snip>

Heron is rising and will continue to do so!

Kind regards

SB

Thanks for the update Stuart and the kind words.

I believe I caught a glimpse of yourself during one of my last visits to your fabshop, whilst working with Richard C. I would have introduced myself, but you were busy with some suited types...

Good luck for the future.

They are awsome pics showing how high it is compared to all the surrounding buildings, and up close, cheers for them.
Looks like its abit beyond a mid rise now, more like a highrise, anyone know its approximate height so far?

Its 61m according to skyscrapernews. So just a midrise.

61m, that gives us a good idea how tall St Botolphs will be when complete.

Nice to see the diagonal cross beams in Chests pic, its really beginning to impress now!

It's becoming visible from quite far away now. I saw it on my train journey this morning. The top 2-3 floors are visible on the routes coming into London Bridge/New Cross Gate.

Here it is. :) Sorry for the poor quality.


http://i43.tinypic.com/21dlcgw.jpg

Stuart, thanks for taking the time to provide that encouraging update during what must be a trying time. Hope a good resolution is found before long.

Thanks for the pics, everyone. Jimbo just how big is your monitor?

whoopsie! My bad, I'll scale them down next time.

IMac, the big one! 24 inches of superscreen. Hurrah.

Good to see it appearing on the skyline

http://i527.photobucket.com/albums/cc360/londonfire/Picture14215011.jpg

http://i527.photobucket.com/albums/cc360/londonfire/Picture14215016.jpg

http://i527.photobucket.com/albums/cc360/londonfire/Picture14215017.jpg

http://i527.photobucket.com/albums/cc360/londonfire/Picture14215018.jpg

Just about 30 mins ago. They still haven't started the next two floors from what I can tell. Behind the fortnightly regime we've been used to.

My first update of the site in nearly two weeks. - http://www.flickr.com/photos/28418222@N02/archives/date-taken/2009/04/21/

Heres a selection:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3492/3462299110_a81037b24b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28418222@N02/3462299110/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3615/3461480633_37560b1939_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28418222@N02/3461480633/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3529/3461482867_893b7bf729_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28418222@N02/3461482867/)

Also, whats with flickr's 200 photo limit? Can anyone suggest a better hosting provider with an app which can be used with a Nokia 5800?

Wow this building is raising fast with pace, and it is amazing to get those close up photos from Jimbo. It’s like our mini Burj Dubai, it would be great to get some like that when we’re looking at 150m or so and LBT too.. and I too have joined the elite club for the holders of the 24" screen lol.

So we are currently looking at this 61m building already as it is very deceptive from the camera shots how tall it get near the top.

I calculated that the building is 4.06'm per floor including the structural zone. This is out of 15 floors with 3 being the lobby floor entrance. Great work from all of u that are supplying the photos, it wouldn’t be the same without them.

whoopsie! My bad, I'll scale them down next time.

IMac, the big one! 24 inches of superscreen. Hurrah.

what an excellent choice of computer i must say

[QUOTE=ghost101;35501322]
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3615/3461480633_37560b1939_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28418222@N02/3461480633/)
QUOTE]

Wow, I had no idea it was so visible from the Liverpool Street entrance already, it's really going to look amazing from here as it rises ever upwards :). I must go and have a look again. I've always loved coming into Liverpool St, such an impressive station, and then stepping out to see the scrapers rise up in front of you; just such a feeling of arriving in a true metropolis, and it's only going to get better!

The 90s refit of the station is looking abit tired. Mabe it just needs a deep clean and a good coat of white paint. :ohno:

I've always loved coming into Liverpool St, such an impressive station, and then stepping out to see the scrapers rise up in front of you; just such a feeling of arriving in a true metropolis, and it's only going to get better!

100% agreed, I'm a bit sad I know what to expect when I get there tomorrow now :)

Thanks for all the pics everyone, she's looking good

now this is rising above the roof-line it will be interesting to see new images - new perspectives of it against the City. :banana:

Here's another view of it, copied over from my Broadgate Tower post - apologies big pic of rubbish quality from my phone.

http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/2649/image0021y.jpg

^ That's a superb shot for helping us to locate the tower and getting an idea of its relative bulk compared to Tower 42 and the Gherkin. I think Heron will be considerably better than either of the those. It may not be as inventive as the Gherkin, but it will be far prettier and more elegant.

what an excellent choice of computer i must say

http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/c.cgi?u=macs_cant

http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss153/mikestanton/heron190409.jpg

One from me taken on Saturday... in the sunshine :)

http://i571.photobucket.com/albums/ss153/mikestanton/heron190409a.jpg
And another ;)

http://www.thebestpageintheuniverse.net/c.cgi?u=macs_cant
Don't start a MAC v PC debate .. pleeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaase :bash:

Here's another view of it, copied over from my Broadgate Tower post - apologies big pic of rubbish quality from my phone.

http://img25.imageshack.us/img25/2649/image0021y.jpg

One of my favurite pics of it so far, easily compareble to gerkin. Is this a recent pic?
It looks alot slimer from this view, will look even more so as it continues to rise.
It baffles to to think how tall this will look, it already does and its got one hell of a long way to go before even challenging gerkin heightwise.

Langur - glad its appreciated - I'll try and drag in my camera to work one of these days and get a better shot from the west facing windows. I think not being quite so dominant is actually going to improve the Gherkin.

Toetallix - yes, its recent - taken yesterday, by swivelling around in my chair.

Fantastic, you have a great vantage point.


I cannot wait to see more of your updates

Langur - glad its appreciated - I'll try and drag in my camera to work one of these days and get a better shot from the west facing windows. I think not being quite so dominant is actually going to improve the Gherkin.

Toetallix - yes, its recent - taken yesterday, by swivelling around in my chair.

It's appreciated, go on drag your camera in, a good view like that is wasted on phone camera.

I took a few pictures today with my new camera but as usual by the time I have got home to post them everyone has beaten me to it with better ones :(

I'll post a couple anyway that show the broader setting.

http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/6937/imgp0147u.jpg

http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/5639/imgp0149r.jpg

http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/3497/imgp0151i.jpg

http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/9758/imgp0156a.jpg

http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/3582/imgp0148.jpg

hey who cares if people beat u to its, were all still glad u made the effort and put them here anyway! Cheers!! This tower is fantastic to watch rise, its so fast!

^ That's a superb shot for helping us to locate the tower and getting an idea of its relative bulk compared to Tower 42 and the Gherkin. I think Heron will be considerably better than either of the those. It may not be as inventive as the Gherkin, but it will be far prettier and more elegant.

The Gherkin is known worldwide and could be considered a "signature" building. I just don't see that happening for Heron.

The Gherkin is known worldwide and could be considered a "signature" building. I just don't see that happening for Heron.

You have a point I guess but Heron Tower will be a great addition to the City skyline. It's so much needed! Bishopsgate tower will be ever greater addition and without a doubt a signature tower on its own.

Great shot by Bolted above. What an amazing view it will be from Broadgate Tower in the future.

The Pinnacle, Heron Tower, Gherkin, Tower 42 and the Shard behind them all.

The Gherkin is known worldwide and could be considered a "signature" building. I just don't see that happening for Heron.I know but I've never really liked it - too fat and I hate the black top. I think Heron will be better.

Blasphemy!

Great shot by Bolted above. What an amazing view it will be from Broadgate Tower in the future.

The Pinnacle, Heron Tower, Gherkin, Tower 42 and the Shard behind them all.
I was just thinking..would be an ideal place for a web cam, sort it out bolted :)

I know but I've never really liked it - too fat and I hate the black top. I think Heron will be better.

I wouldnt go that far, but I dont like the bulge in the middle that stops you seeing the top from the base of the tower......

Perfect form just like Cristiano Ronaldo :)

Im not complaining about his bulge (damn it shut up Mark)

Time to get back to Heron Tower me thinks :)

this is rising sooooo fast! I love looking at this forum as little as possible because when I do, their seems to be so much change!! great shots guys!!

Almost got run over by a police van shortly after taking these pics.




http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/heron/construction/heronpics240409/1.jpg




http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/heron/construction/heronpics240409/2.jpg




http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/heron/construction/heronpics240409/3.jpg




http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/heron/construction/heronpics240409/4.jpg





Underneath the tower -


http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/heron/construction/heronpics240409/5.jpg




http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/heron/construction/heronpics240409/6.jpg

Superb pics Mr Moderator man......this really will be the first tower in the city thats of a 'Canary Wharf' scale.

Tower 42 and the Gherkin are great, but placed next to the towers in CW, they are quite slight and slender in comparison.

I hope they forget to clad it... The white steel looks excellent as it is.

Recession? What recession?

Don't ask me, I don't have a clue what you're on about. ;)

Great pics Will!

I'd be intrigued to see how it's looking from Waterloo Bridge around now :)

Great updates. There´s something very appealing about the combination of the row of Victorian buildings and this tower.

Great updates, thanks alot, lucky you didn't get hit by that police van, wed have never seen the pics:lol:
It seems to have risen alot since the last batch of pics. If anyone can get another skyline shot, that would be fantastic, see where it fits in currently.

Anyone knows anything about Wills news about the height of baby heron being increased to 148m? That would make a major impact of the city skyline - going from 3 to 5 decent sized towers. Also, it would be a sleek thing with lots of soar if the foot print stays they same. Bring it on.

Superb pics Mr Moderator man......this really will be the first tower in the city thats of a 'Canary Wharf' scale.

Tower 42 and the Gherkin are great, but placed next to the towers in CW, they are quite slight and slender in comparison.

I thought this topped out roughly the same as T42, apart from the spire...

I thought this topped out roughly the same as T42, apart from the spire...

202m to the roof. But if you ignore the narrower part of the buidling then yeh, its probably quite similar.

Personally I would count the narrower part of the building. Its just a lift shaft isn't it? However its still technically the top of the actual 'building' 'imo', but maybe other people think different. I would 'sometimes' count the spire, depending on what kind of structure I am comparing it to.

Bloody exciting times these. This has sprinted up - 13th and 14th floors underway now, and there's so many decent places to spot it going up.

Upping height of Baby Heron would be bullish in the extreme.

may as well post this in here as well:

couple renderrings i just stretched (assumes they retain the design, height might be slightly off, but gives an idea):

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/6610/48yyi6v.jpg

http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/4660/71720866.jpg

thanks to will for the second pic - got the original off his site.

woah, that first image looks slightly like Pan Peninsular with that particular configuration.

This Hayes Davison http://www.hayesdavidson.com/ render ostensibly for 100 Bishopsgate (next door to Heron on the right) shows a very nice section of the west front of Heron - and how the structural steel frame once fire-proofed presumably will be visible through the glass facade. It also shows the dizzying heights the stair-tower is going to reach. I foresee a few "charity" climbs!

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

I don't know what to think about a height increase to the 'Baby Heron'.. I'm torn between wanting another tall within the cluster or having something that doesn't compete for attention with Heron.. Trying to imagine it within context to 99 Bishopgate etc, that if it were around the 100m it would become yet another midrise but give a could link up to Heron.. uhm, suppose will have to wait til we get some more information.

I think Baby Heron should stay as it is, any increase would, as ferge has stated detract from Heron and besides the design on Baby makes it better as a midrise, at the height Noo has made it it would look like something akin to the Wharf.

^^^ In dont think the people that matter about these structures care about our aesthetics and overall designs and arrangements, nor should they. If it makes money and is viable then thats all that matters and we need to live with it or not.

We are appreciative of tall buildings and good design, we cant realistally expect to be involved in the practical economics of things.

I doubt Baby Heron would look like the current office tower as it would be a hotel so the design is bound to change. Smaller floor heights for starters. This tower could like rather slender.

I really don't know what's "baby" about the Baby Heron, it looks gigantic. As I've said before, I don't like it. It's too close to Heron. The Heron tower should should just be made bigger and get rid of its baby.

On its own, baby heron looks okay, very slender. Just not next to the Heron Tower please!

I sometimes think that it would be better to do away with baby heron and incorporate it into the heron tower and make it taller, however a 148m high tower that close to the main heron tower is really going to add to the density of the city, and personnaly I love density. Plus once all the other towers are erected in 5-10 yrs time it's really going to be breath taking, so BRING IT ON!!!

I really don't know what's "baby" about the Baby Heron, it looks gigantic. As I've said before, I don't like it. It's too close to Heron. The Heron tower should should just be made bigger and get rid of its baby.

On its own, baby heron looks okay, very slender. Just not next to the Heron Tower please!

I wouldn't worry about this being close to Heron. It will be quite close to a few more towers so will not soar out on its own.
http://i39.tinypic.com/2n6zms1.jpg
http://i43.tinypic.com/5lrsc8.jpg


It is the citys highrise cluster after all & its not as if there's a plethora of tall buildings in the city.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a82/supertek/IMGP7593.jpg

What a fantastic photo! Cant wait to see it topped out

What is the name of that horrible (in my opinion) building on the left in that pic, it looks like R2D2. I wish that one would be demolished and a nice scraper put in it's place.

Am I also right in thinking that that view will be obscured once the walkie talkie arrives?

54 Lombard Street.

Another example there how a beautiful building is ruined by venetian blinds. - never shown in the renders.

What is the name of that horrible (in my opinion) building on the left in that pic, it looks like R2D2. I wish that one would be demolished and a nice scraper put in it's place.

It won't go for a little while as it's just had an internal refurb, with the base totally reclad and retail inserted at its base, which has animated that part of the streetscape no end.

20 Gracechurch street (formerly 54 Lombard Street when it was Barclays HQ). You can see the recently redeveloped base in that shot.

No, 20 Fenchurch (Walkie Talkie) will be just off picture to the right. Pinnacle will rise directly behind the black coloured midrise to the left of T42.

Some from a sunny today.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3603/3474313266_09e42e1cbb_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3316/3473473577_cfd1711b61_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3407/3474272010_f5550469cf_b.jpg

Do I see steel for floors 14 and 15 going up in that last picture?

Almost 3 weeks since floors 12 and 13 started going up (post 3458). Are they slowing contruction speed down? Or is it simply more difficult?

Looks like the 4th 'village' is complete which if I am not mistaken is as shown below:

http://www.bluetang.co.uk/images/heron.jpg

So is this where baby heron getting built?

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=&daddr=51.515884,-0.080225&hl=en&geocode=&mra=mi&mrsp=0&sz=18&sll=51.515777,-0.079318&sspn=0.002624,0.00824&ie=UTF8&ll=51.515813,-0.080155&spn=0.002624,0.010278&t=h&z=18

They have done 5 of the villages now. Including the Lobby Level which counts as one.
I think it may have taken 3 weeks to do floors 13 and 14 because of the high winds we have been having. And there was some atrocious weather a couple of weeks ago.

They have done 5 of the villages now. Including the Lobby Level which counts as one.
I think it may have taken 3 weeks to do floors 13 and 14 because of the high winds we have been having. And there was some atrocious weather a couple of weeks ago.

They have done 5 of the villages now. Including the Lobby Level which counts as one.
I think it may have taken 3 weeks to do floors 13 and 14 because of the high winds we have been having. And there was some atrocious weather a couple of weeks ago.

Yep makes sense. Also the whole protest thing may have disrupted work although they were working away when I visited that day. Someone entioned something about tying back the cranes or something as well.

Also including the new floors is the floor count 15 and 16 including the new steel in the above picture? Does the lobby count as 2 floors?

Seems like 13 completed floors and the new steel for floors 14 and 15 to me, dont think you could class the lobby as 2 floors

wow, if that rendering is to scale, you can't quite call baby Heron a baby any more, more like a teenage heron.
It nearly as tall as the main tower!

The Lobby is two floors. They are doing Floors 15 and 16 now.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a82/supertek/IMGP7614.jpg

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a82/supertek/IMGP7613.jpg

@ Cludad Bristol & Crystal Palace (from bottom of previus page):

I actully think that is quite an interesting building in my opinion. Not so sure about the top I agree that part does look like R2D2 lol but the rest of it pretty nice.
Secondle, great picture showing heron once again working its way into the skline.
Now about this baby heron, to be very honest I do not know much about it so what height has it been increased from and is it to 148m? I do not think the increase it will spoil anything of heron tower as it IS still alot shorter pluss heron has the destinctive design on top add the spire. Has baby heron tower started?

Nice shot from the marathon Cuidad Bristol. Just a very very rough idea of how far to go.

http://i43.tinypic.com/1ovu49.jpg

Looks like a commie block in that last render :lol:

So is this where baby heron getting built?

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=&daddr=51.515884,-0.080225&hl=en&geocode=&mra=mi&mrsp=0&sz=18&sll=51.515777,-0.079318&sspn=0.002624,0.00824&ie=UTF8&ll=51.515813,-0.080155&spn=0.002624,0.010278&t=h&z=18

I think it's the building directly to the North-West of that one. It's quite a small site, and with it being a hotel tower, expect something nice and slender:)

Loved watching the coverage of the Marathon this today, the city looks amazing with a bit of sunshine - its no wonder we won the 2012 games, its a maze of icons and landmarks.. The city cluster looks amazing in those stills, I think its far better to appreciate the cluster from an elevated level. Great to see the likes of Heron and 100MS making an appearance within the aerial shots.

Sometimes makes me regret the Pinnacle if I'm honest, whilst it will be an immense tower it's going to spoil the current cityscape in some respects.. I'd rather have Leadenhall than Pinnacle to be fair.

Look what we have here - :happy:

Taken yesterday (Sunday), at around 11:30 on the North Circular.

http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/792/heron1.jpg

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/1328/heron2.jpg

http://img2.imageshack.us/img2/6416/heron3.jpg

Any idea how far away you were from the city centre at this point? Wonder where the frames come from and where they are made..

Well, this was in North East London - he had just joined the North Circ from the M11 i believe. I'm guessing he was taking a rather indirect route into town so as to stay on the big roads for as long as possible (instead of going directly in, he seemed to be looping around to East London).

sheffield rings a bell

or north yorkshire

Northallerton infact, a few miles south of smoggy land (middlesborough)

I think the bottom is made in Northallerton, and the rest of it, like we see in the pic, is made in Thirsk at Severfield Rowen, just south of Northallerton, so they have to go right down the A1.

What is the name of that horrible (in my opinion) building on the left in that pic, it looks like R2D2. I wish that one would be demolished and a nice scraper put in it's place.

Am I also right in thinking that that view will be obscured once the walkie talkie arrives?

actually i think the previous answers to this question are wrong

whilst the building does look like the old barclays hq it is in fact the broad gate centre above liverpool st which houses the european bank for reconstruction etc...

the scene is "shot" looking south down bishopgate not looking north i think!!

actually i think the previous answers to this question are wrong

whilst the building does look like the old barclays hq it is in fact the broad gate centre above liverpool st which houses the european bank for reconstruction etc...

the scene is "shot" looking south down bishopgate not looking north i think!!

no. it is 54 lombard street. you can't see the broadgate centre in that shot.

no. it is 54 lombard street. you can't see the broadgate centre in that shot.

ok well maybe im being dense !!! but i still dont agree

surely this is looking south down bishopsgate with broadgate centre and liverpool st directly to your right the old barclays hq is on the same side but much further down bishopsgate and not visible !!

The broadgate centre has similar post modern detailing but is much shorter as it is in this view!!

^^Are you talking about this pic? Broadgate Centre and Liverpool St are not visible. Ths is looking north up Gracechurch St from near the river. The view will be blocked by 20 Fenchurch St when built. The Broadgate Tower is just visible in the distance between Daswood House and 99 Bishopsgate.

http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a82/supertek/IMGP7593.jpg

The view will be blocked by 20 Fenchurch St when built.

No it won't.

no. it is 54 lombard street. you can't see the broadgate centre in that shot.


I remember 54 Lombard Street as just a core in about 1980 something.

No it won't.

Quite right sorry. 20 Fenchurch is not on Gracechurch st.

Quite right sorry. 20 Fenchurch is not on Gracechurch st.
Hmm, funny that. ;)

Look what we have here - :happy:

Taken yesterday (Sunday), at around 11:30 on the North Circular.



http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/1328/heron2.jpg



lol, Prestons of Potto - they have a base literally 2 minutes away from my house. And Northallerton is about 20 minutes away.....

Is the steal being made in Teesside?

"F.V.S. of Teesside" Love it! :P We build your cities. :P

I remember 54 Lombard Street as just a core in about 1980 something.

oh god, is grandpa slipping into reminiscing about the good ol' days again...

If you are still trying to fight you way out of a vagina and still getting distracted then maybe...... ;)

54 Lombard shouldn't be knocked down it's got that quirky 80's design to it.

So, is my understanding correct that the majority of all the steelwork has already been fabricated for Heron? Surely that would have taken a long time to do considering the contract was only officially signed a year of so ago.

And here it is on the top: (please excuse the reflection of my halo)

http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/7892/imgp0959.th.jpg (http://img518.imageshack.us/my.php?image=imgp0959.jpg)

^^Bloody fantastic! Thanks for these. Please keep updating us regularly from this vantage point. Maybe include more of Strata as well if you can slide to the right a bit ;-)

Btw how are the first double decker/destination controlled lifts working out? They are also the fastest lifts in the country I believe? 6 m/s?

And here it is on the top: (please excuse the reflection of my halo)

http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/7892/imgp0959.th.jpg (http://img518.imageshack.us/my.php?image=imgp0959.jpg)

http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/7892/imgp0959.jpg

For those who want to avoid popups and the effort.

Great pic. Would love to see this angle as it progresses.

An amazing picture. Having a webcam on Broadgate Tower would be the best location.

Literally went 'wow' three times allowed then, and a lot of metal wows followed.. An amazing shot, possibly my favourite this year. What a view!!! Swiss re looks surreal, T42looks great.. 99Bishopgate and Dashwood look really current and Heron is so slender and has 'soar' even at that height. It's just superb! Just a travesty that it's not Minerva rising parallel to Heron to the left of that pic, a wound which refuses to heal :(

Just a travesty that it's not Minerva rising parallel to Heron to the left of that pic, a wound which refuses to heal :(

Very true :( Indeed though I look forward to the soon rising Riverside South I cannot help but get annoyed thinking that if only Minerva had held out a teeny bit longer with the tower proposal, JP Morgan would have snapped it up long before they even tried working with that St Alphage site...

^^Aaaagh! Stop reminding me! Its like The Game, if you think about the game then you lose...

An amazing picture. Having a webcam on Broadgate Tower would be the best location.

not when the sun is out it wouldnt be... as we are looking south!

Fantasic picture again! Looks like its already about a third of the way before surpassing gerkin.

I think it is, maybe even a little bit higher than that. I think it's ~61m (last I heard it was something like that), so it's at least a third the height of the 180m Gherkin.

Literally went 'wow' three times allowed then, and a lot of metal wows followed.. An amazing shot, possibly my favourite this year. What a view!!! Swiss re looks surreal, T42looks great.. 99Bishopgate and Dashwood look really current and Heron is so slender and has 'soar' even at that height. It's just superb! Just a travesty that it's not Minerva rising parallel to Heron to the left of that pic, a wound which refuses to heal :(

Just think this time next year, you'll be able to see LBT and Pinnacle rising in the same shot, if you look immidiatly to the right of T42 you can see Strata rising:cheers:

Here's the view of the cranes from my block in the Barbican... Can't be too long now before Heron itself starts nudging into this shot?

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff57/saladfingerslondon/Heron021.jpg

Had a lunch yesterday in the Broadgate Tower, and what did I spot?

http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/4823/img2631.jpg

Fabby views, am back next Thurs morning, so will be armed with camera.

Had a lunch yesterday in the Broadgate Tower, and what did I spot?
Oh...erm...hmm, that's a hard one, going to have to think about that.

...

Nope, can't think of what you could have possibly spotted. Tell me what you spotted. :)

*scrolls down*

Oh, riiiiiiiiight! ;)


Seriously though, great shot of Heron, and good to see the progress on the next two floors. :cheers:

Nice shot there Jimbo, loks like it's 1/3 of the way up Swiss Re!

Oh, and btw...please someone demolish the barbican buildings...please!

At one time, (like way back when I joined SSC) I'd of whole heartedly agreed with you regarding the Barbican, but now I'm completely the opposite, couldn't disagree more! To me, with the boom in the city, corporate glazed boxes and shiney blobs everywhere.. The barbican is now starting to hold its own.. What was once 3 concrete towers that were the skyline of the city, they're now on its boundary and a sort of city within a city.. I actually love them now :|

They have their charms, on a sunny day...

Here's the view of the cranes from my block in the Barbican... Can't be too long now before Heron itself starts nudging into this shot?

http://i236.photobucket.com/albums/ff57/saladfingerslondon/Heron021.jpg

excellent viewpoint Salad Fingers! bet you can't wait to see heron peeping it's head above the skyline. we are so lucky to have so many viewpoints from which to watch her grow !

interesting view that.
whats that building in the foreground all about? it looks a dogs breakfast that one.

thats the City of London school for girls. It sits as an isolated structure from the rest of the Barbican complex so in practical terms it would be convenient to redevelop

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3553/3488107907_74da94d5da_o.jpg

Looking down london wall from the skywalk. This will be a good view when it tops out!

another wider angle from Broadgate

http://img106.imageshack.us/img106/6500/img2632x.jpg

Superb picture Jimbo! Would be awesome if someone could put in the Shard (might be hidden behind pinnacle from this view though?), Pinnacle, Heron, 122L...

I guess we'll see cladding in the next few weeks...

This has been one of my favourite London projects (if not my favourite) since it was first mooted nearly 10 years ago (albeit in its shorter form). Yes, I believe it is that long ago. Very, very pleased to see it finally getting off the ground. Hope the 10 year wait will be worth it?

Right, its official: I want to live in the Broadgate Tower... WHAT A VIEW!!!

I want to live in London, just to get any view of those towers! That's why I'm determined to get straight As and go to Imperial College to study Civil Engineering - then, I should be able to get on site, which would be absolutely fantastic.

Over 20 shots from an hour or so ago.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/28418222@N02/archives/date-posted/2009/05/02/

Looks like they aren't working today? Bank holiday weekend off?

Heres a selection as usual.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3342/3494439192_8fdb77d9cb_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28418222@N02/3494439192/in/datetaken/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3326/3493576799_05e7da10b4_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28418222@N02/3493576799/in/datetaken/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3654/3494440084_230cca5547_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28418222@N02/3494440084/in/datetaken/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3333/3493611847_aa8fd68a30_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28418222@N02/3493611847/in/datetaken/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3380/3494440634_d0c5185033_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28418222@N02/3494440634/in/photostream/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3620/3494431866_10a008e48b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28418222@N02/3494431866/in/photostream/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3609/3493616481_8b3dc5f2bc_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28418222@N02/3493616481/in/datetaken/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3659/3494430272_9db3f7a137_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28418222@N02/3494430272/in/photostream/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3303/3493625931_2f69e22019_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28418222@N02/3493625931/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3606/3493620467_2475517046_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28418222@N02/3493620467/in/photostream/)

From Stave Hill last night.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3407/3494550016_c662fc5ff7_b.jpg

Great update Ghost!

:)

I'm loving your pic below. For me, it's the first time that the Heron looks like a true skyscraper in the making.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3659/3494430272_9db3f7a137_b.jpg

Great stuff!!! Thanks Ghost! :cheers:

All the pics are brilliant as usual. :)

I know where I'm taking a summers walk tomorrow.. :)