I think you will find we have reached the set back :)

Indeed,so another 50 metres of building and 44 metres of spire to go.

Just to put that into perspective, thats like sticking the Landmark shorter tower on top. (albeit nearly half spire)

Mr Chest, were those last 2 pics of yours taken at Shadwell Basin?

As capslock said it looks like the pictures were taken from the Royal Docks. In fact at that height i am sure it must have been taken from the high level pedestrian bridge that links ExCeL to Silvertown.

Caught the 48 bus from Hackney to London Bridge this evening and was rather pleased when it terminated prematurely at Liverpool Street.

Wandered down to the Heron and took it all in - absolutely fantastic - was really struck by the horizontal dimensions and sheer 'chunkiness' of it as much of it's current height.

Also from the bus as you turn into the bit of Broadgate in front of Liverpool Street station Heron has really filled the area between the Gherkin and T42 creating a thrilling 'canyon' effect.

Then I wandered down to the Pinnacle...:)

Popped up onto the roof this evening to tryout a new video camera, and I thought I'd point it at the Heron Tower whose set back is now clearly visible from the east. Here's the quick (and very amateurish) video I cobbled together this evening: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=va5l8voN-bE

Thanks Henry, some good shots in there, particularly the last one. You'll also be well placed from that vantage point when the Pinnacle goes up.

Popped up onto the roof this evening to tryout a new video camera, and I thought I'd point it at the Heron Tower whose set back is now clearly visible from the east. Here's the quick (and very amateurish) video I cobbled together this evening: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=va5l8voN-bE

Fantastic! Especially in HD.

Popped up onto the roof this evening to tryout a new video camera, and I thought I'd point it at the Heron Tower whose set back is now clearly visible from the east. Here's the quick (and very amateurish) video I cobbled together this evening: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=va5l8voN-bE

Excellent! What camera did you use?

^^ Good video, what camera did you use?

Is it the Panasonic GH1? I have one, it's very nice indeed.It's a Micro Four-Thirds DSLR that also shoots HD video, so it has the advantage of access to interchangeable (prime) lenses. Yours for around £1000. I'm just guessing, don't shoot me if I'm wrong, it could well be a dedicated video camera.

last few days:

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/6761/heronx.jpg

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/1328/heron2.jpg

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/6416/heron3.jpg

Wow, it looks really huge in that video, nice work !

Great video Henry, the HD quality is amazing. My Panasonic LX3 does 720p HD as well but I haven't tried it out yet.

Heron looks really tall from that angle in the video.

^^ Good video, what camera did you use?

Thanks Mikey and everyone. I shot it on a semi-professional camera from Sony called the EX1. It shoots in true 1080p HD, although my lazy camerawork doesn't really do it justice. I might try again when the lights better, it was pretty dreary last night.
H

What is our floor count now? 10 floors to go?

Yes,i think 10 floors to go,now.

:cheers:looking Good!

Does anyone know which tall buildings will be done (in the city of london, canary wharf) by summer olympics 2012 ??? ..at least toped up and finished from outside.... > ??? Thx

Heron, Shard: completed.
Pinnacle and Riverside South: probably shell and core.

Does anyone know which tall buildings will be done (in the city of london, canary wharf) by summer olympics 2012 ??? ..at least toped up and finished from outside.... > ??? Thx Almost 3 years from now?...probably mostly complete/externally in all cases.

Almost 3 years from now?...probably mostly complete/externally in all cases.

I wonder what will be on the drawing board/in planning by then when we look out of our windows and see the Pinnacle, Shard, Heron et all shimmering in the Sunlight!
(so long as they don't revive Green Bird). Surely I wasn't the only one who blushed when I first saw that!

Really exciting times in London, so glad I call this wonderful city home.

Heron's really got presence here now on Sydenham Hill! It's been lurking just behind 30st Mark Axe for so long now and now it's really showing it's height. I am so excited I feel sick!

From the inside;

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/renders/heronint.jpg

The last time i visited this site Kempson House was half way through demo.My oh my how things change plus needed to try out my new camera.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i290/mazza75/HeronTower5.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i290/mazza75/HeronTower4.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i290/mazza75/HeronTower3.jpg

The Cladding is just pure quality.

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i290/mazza75/HeronTower2.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i290/mazza75/HeronTower1.jpg

And here's a few to give skyline views

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i290/mazza75/HeronTower6.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i290/mazza75/HeronTower7.jpg

http://i75.photobucket.com/albums/i290/mazza75/HeronTower8.jpg

Lunchtime today ...

http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv339/BorderBoy3/heron1.jpg

http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv339/BorderBoy3/heron2.jpg

Gherkin reflected ...

http://i697.photobucket.com/albums/vv339/BorderBoy3/heron3.jpg

hey sorry if this has been discussed but can someone tell me why one of the stairwells is not being cladded with glass but instead some sort of concrete sheet?

hey sorry if this has been discussed but can someone tell me why one of the stairwells is not being cladded with glass but instead some sort of concrete sheet?

Can't clad that part yet there's a lift in the way

hey sorry if this has been discussed but can someone tell me why one of the stairwells is not being cladded with glass but instead some sort of concrete sheet?


September 11th ??? :dunno:

(so long as they don't revive Green Bird). Surely I wasn't the only one who blushed when I
first saw that!
!

Oddly, I found it quite alluring ;) (its a long and unrelated story...just ignore me)

Yeah will be emergency stairs.

This building is really turning out to be rather dull apart from its height.

Top notch quality :applause:.

@ Bolted: Well what were you expecting from the renders, exactly?

It has what is possibly the best facade in the city.

@ Bolted: Well what were you expecting from the renders, exactly?

It has what is possibly the best facade in the city.

Well, a close second to 99BG :cheers:

I'm not sure about the facade yet - the side with the solar panels on looks somewhat messy for a start.

Next door to Heron Tower, Richer Sounds and the neighbouring jewellers shop both closed this week - the first precursor to demolition of this building to make way for Baby Heron?

From Peter Bill in the ES.

Ronson's bonus depends on filling a whole Heron

Gerald Ronson's pay fell from £12.9 million in 2007 to £1.7 million last year, according to the accounts of Heron International published last Friday.

But before you start sending charitable donations, bear in mind that about £10 million of the chief executive's 2007 pay packet came from a long-term bonus scheme. The next seven-figure payday won't come until 2013, after the seven-year term of the 70-year old's latest scheme expires.

The private business lost £10 million: But it did pay shareholders a £20 million dividend. Net debt rose from £188 million to £418 million: but the value of the properties rose from £535 million to £698 million. Just how much the man who owns only 7.6% of Heron gets in 2013 depends a bit on fully letting the 440,000 square foot Heron tower. The offices now stand 33 floors proud of Bishopsgate and will reach the full height of 46 next March.

On Tuesday Ronson said formal marketing will start next spring — presumably with a party to mark the topping out. But he was also careful to let slip that someone is already keen to take nearly half the space.

But he was also careful to let slip that someone is already keen to take nearly half the space.

If that's true, it bodes very well for Leadenhall... :cool:

If that's true, it bodes very well for Leadenhall... :cool:

Why?

Why?

Because it means there is demand for a lot of hi spec office space in the city at the moment. And demand means developers need to meet supply. And with an approved project with 500,000sq ft of office space ready to start construction as soon as it can just around the corner... you can work out the rest for yourself :cheers:

Because it is encouraging for office space demand I guess. Or at least high quality, prestige office space demand which this is, and Leadenhall would also be.

edit - beaten!

Why?

I think that if half of Heron's floor space has been allocated already, it will drive up the demand for floor space in the City. A higher demand will increase the likely hood of the Leadenhall been built (which was put on hold due the demand falling away when the recession hit).

And as we are apparently 'officially out of recession' last night (they said on This Week) thats a good omen, if you can trust the source. Even Portsmouth has plans for 1 million sq ft of office space (which annoyingly nobody has thought of consolidating any into a tower or two), if Portsmouth can sustain it, think what London can do!

So basically it's all good :)

Well we hope, I have been blessed (or cursed?) with a sense of optimism as of late. Heron has proved that the skyscraper format can work in the square mile, people took to our Gherkin quite well but let's be honest, circular towers are notoriously unsuitable for office space and as a result, hard to let. Heron provides basically a series of small, well suited, modern, 3 story office buildings that you would find in a business park, stacked on top of each other. And it works.

And as we are apparently 'officially out of recession' last night (they said on This Week) thats a good omen, if you can trust the source. Even Portsmouth has plans for 1 million sq ft of office space (which annoyingly nobody has thought of consolidating any into a tower or two), if Portsmouth can sustain it, think what London can do!

Sadly a bit premature it turns out.

This building is really turning out to be rather dull apart from its height.

I know what you mean but the height factor on this can add some thrill.

The Chinese and Koreans will be bored stiff by this whole project, but as usual in the UK, modernity is all relative and by comparison to the rest of the city, it will be a 2009 whopper. I'm not complaining by any means.

This building is really turning out to be rather dull apart from its height.

I don't really see how people can view this as dull. If you want to see dull and ultra-conservative architecture go down to CW and take a look at the new KMPG HQ or State Street. Glass boxes and no more.

Riverside South is a classic example of the great project subtlety "dulled down", what happened to all that Rogers detail - pretty much all removed.

At least this has detail and alternative cladding and those cross beams and a spire. Take a look at the plan for the Allies and Morrison tower nearby, a box with a "kink" in it.

This is certainly not dull.

This building is really turning out to be rather dull apart from its height.

:okay:Great height … dull design :down:
The Pinnacle - another league :cheers:

I'm not sure about the facade yet - the side with the solar panels on looks somewhat messy for a start.

While all the cladding is good quality I do agree that the solar panel side does not look coherent with the rest of the tower - the other 3 sides look like they are part of the same building but that side does not. Not really complaining though - its a great tower.

I can't believe some say Heron Tower is "dull" although I totally respect your opinion. Same with Riverside South, architecturally neutral, but with a soar factor on the edge of the Thames that will be absolutely fantastic.

Some pics from this afternoon.




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




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




http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/heron/construction/7.jpg




http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/heron/construction/8.jpg




http://www.willfox.com/images/skyscrapers/heron/construction/9.jpg

Well it has definitely reached the set back.

from Petticote Square;

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/bbc/DSC05945.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/bbc/DSC05948.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/bbc/DSC05952.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/bbc/DSC05993.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/bbc/DSC05932.jpg

This building is really turning out to be rather dull apart from its height.

Are you nuts?

^^Lets assume he is and move on! Sure this building isn't a knock out in terms of unique design, but it's exactly what the City cluster needs to balance out the crazy, whacky, iconic beauty of the Gherkin, Bish, Leadenhall (here's hoping) etc, a classy, elegant addition to the London vista with enough style to make it interesting but enough tact to blend in well with a developing skyline.

That 2nd to last pic looks dam dodgy though, if anything went wrong with the crane, a bit of wind....presumably that's not for Heron?

Btw Fitz, what is that 60's looking block at Petticote Square, is that the actual name of the building...?

The Chinese and Koreans will be bored stiff by this whole project

The beauty of Heron is in it's quality. The Chinese might be bored by the height, but the majority of buildings in Pudong (for example) are actually around the Heron kind of height, and are frankly inferior in quality. (I can't argue with SWFC or Shanghai Tower though!)

Heron may be simple (which, in my opinion, is good for the balance in the City), but the sleekness and perfection of the shape and cladding is simply stunning.

The beauty of Heron is in it's quality. The Chinese might be bored by the height, but the majority of buildings in Pudong (for example) are actually around the Heron kind of height, and are frankly inferior in quality. (I can't argue with SWFC or Shanghai Tower though!)

Heron may be simple (which, in my opinion, is good for the balance in the City), but the sleekness and perfection of the shape and cladding is simply stunning.
Spot on - I agree.

^^Lets assume he is and move on! Sure this building isn't a knock out in terms of unique design, but it's exactly what the City cluster needs to balance out the crazy, whacky, iconic beauty of the Gherkin, Bish, Leadenhall (here's hoping) etc, a classy, elegant addition to the London vista with enough style to make it interesting but enough tact to blend in well with a developing skyline.

That 2nd to last pic looks dam dodgy though, if anything went wrong with the crane, a bit of wind....presumably that's not for Heron?

Btw Fitz, what is that 60's looking block at Petticote Square, is that the actual name of the building...?

that petticote square buildings pretty naff so close to the city but I like its small footprint...could look good remodelled.

Btw Fitz, what is that 60's looking block at Petticote Square, is that the actual name of the building...?

yes- it's an elevated residential square off Middlesex Street - the tower is called Petticote Tower as well.

Someone mentioned earlier that the cranes had finished being jacked up. Is this true? Looking at the height of the structure the cranes I would imagine that they would need to be jacked up again, probably for the final time.

Also any news on the cladding for the rear stairwell? This is the only bit of the cladding that's concerning me at the moment.

how many floors still to go up?? or someone draw on that picture from waterloo bridge how it's gonna look like.. thx

really liked Foxy's shot from Waterloo Bridge - the cranes, St Pauls and all the wonderful green foliage at Temple. The gap betwixt T42 and 30 St Mary Axe is just waiting for the Pinnacle to come and fill it.

really liked Foxy's shot from Waterloo Bridge - the cranes, St Pauls and all the wonderful green foliage at Temple. The gap betwixt T42 and 30 St Mary Axe is just waiting for the Pinnacle to come and fill it.

just what i was thinking. great angle, that. gold star to mr fox.

this is a really rough guide but i guess its pretty close in terms of height


http://i35.tinypic.com/34edwck.jpg

^^nice work! I'll buy that!

Actually very useful London Marcus.

that petticote square buildings pretty naff so close to the city but I like its small footprint...could look good remodelled.
Be better off itf they demolished it. The residents (not surprisingly I suppose) don't want to be hemmed in by city towers and did a lot of moaning about the Minerva Tower & the tower proposed on the site next door which eventually got cut in height & then abandoned).

Liking the recent pics with Heron right next to T42 and the mid rise trio its looking really dense and starting to fill in the gap tooth skyline from Waterloo. Heres hoping the Pinnacle adds another tooth this time next year :)

The Pinnacle will definitely fill that gap between T42 and 30SMA, which I have never particularly been fond of, it will help the cluster look like an actual cluster rather than a few tall buildings spread out on the skyline.

great work london marcus.. thanks

quick question, whats the blue crane in the foreground up to?

that is for Blackfriars station redevlopment i believe

from 32nd floor of Centrepoint today:
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/3995/img2922.jpg

http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/7717/img2917n.jpg

My God would you look at that Travelodge! And what is that horrendous blue thing in behind it! Great picture though. I always like the double skyline views :yes:

apparently they've permission to expand the Travelodge and I think they're annexing the derelict hulk just behind it to the left. Ghastly. And people complain about Central St Giles......

Outstanding pics Jimbo... what an absolutely fantastic view. You should post those in the World forum.

Love that view jimbo, just need to add five or six more towers now to join up with Broadgate!

dont know if someone has said yet but a 3d model of Heron has been added to google earth....i noticed a while back they had bishopsgate and the riverside south towers on their too but they have since been taken off.

http://i36.tinypic.com/21jwwnd.jpg

Outstanding pics Jimbo... what an absolutely fantastic view. You should post those in the World forum.

Here here....I will download that one!!!

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y6/eddyk2/heron1.jpg

It's past the stage of looking reasonably tall, now it's simply dominating.

It is starting to look to impressive but I think even on Heron's completion Tower 42 will still be the daddy of the City skyline (at least until the Pinnacle starts to appear).

Hmm,how so? Much as i like T42 for its slim soar,Heron will be the daddy IMO

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/Panorama8.JPG

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/Panorama88.JPG

I agree in that I think even when Heron is complete T42 will likely remain more imposing. But as for the winner in terms of quality, well, that's a far tougher one...

From the renders I've seen of this tower complete on the skyline, I think T42 will indeed be the more imposing of the two. It is taller than the bulk of the Heron tower which ends at around 170m, after which it gets very narrow whereas T42 remains wide(r) all the way to its roof.

I agree in that I think even when Heron is complete T42 will likely remain more imposing. But as for the winner in terms of quality, well, that's a far tougher one...

It's a bit unfair comparing relative quality considering the buildings we're built 30 years apart.

I know i've said this many times before but it still think it doesn't look that tall on the skyline from some angles...

But up close it really does soar now - it really does look massive in chests photos.

To think when I last saw this in the flesh back in March it was a 10 story stump.

From the renders I've seen of this tower complete on the skyline, I think T42 will indeed be the more imposing of the two. It is taller than the bulk of the Heron tower which ends at around 170m, after which it gets very narrow whereas T42 remains wide(r) all the way to its roof.

That's probably because most of the renders are from Waterloo Bridge direction and Tower 42 is closer and therefore appears more dominant. From the North and East I'm sure Heron will be the daddy (although granted, many more people will see the towers from the South and West)

It's a bit unfair comparing relative quality considering the buildings we're built 30 years apart.

How so? I'm talking about aesthetic quality here.

It's a bit unfair comparing relative quality considering the buildings we're built 30 years apart.

With respect...I dont know what you mean by this statement. Its open to interpretation. Do you mean that T42 is not up to the mark because its 30 yrs old?

From the renders I've seen of this tower complete on the skyline, I think T42 will indeed be the more imposing of the two. It is taller than the bulk of the Heron tower which ends at around 170m, after which it gets very narrow whereas T42 remains wide(r) all the way to its roof.


Yes,from the renders.

In reality,once completed,this will dominate IMO-slimmer 32 metre remainder is still a 19 metre advantage on T42,along with the added spire...and glamour!

That's probably because most of the renders are from Waterloo Bridge direction and Tower 42 is closer and therefore appears more dominant. From the North and East I'm sure Heron will be the daddy (although granted, many more people will see the towers from the South and West)

Indeed,and an obvious point really

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

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/NATWEST2.JPG

Yes,from the renders.
Well the renders are as accurate as the finished building will look in an actual photo :nuts:

it's a no-brainer for me that Heron Trumps Tower42 in every way. :)

Wow I didn't know Tower42 was a Trump tower!!

http://homepage.mac.com/benveasey/.Public/NATWEST.JPG
Could you get more of a 'London look' at the moment then this picture! Love it, great combination of buildings and street activity in that shot!

terrific pics as always, chest

With respect...I dont know what you mean by this statement. Its open to interpretation. Do you mean that T42 is not up to the mark because its 30 yrs old?

God no! lol I have much love for T42, I just meant due to their different cladding styles they're pretty hard to compare.

Well the renders are as accurate as the finished building will look in an actual photo :nuts:

Erm,no.Nothing like seeing a building for real,the real thing reflecting it's real environs,in 3D etc etc

You can walk down Bishopsgate without even noticing T42 because of its set back from street level, whereas Heron makes you almost fall over when coming out of Liverpool St. T42 may be good in skyline shots, but Heron is the daddy from the street. In Height, quality and soar.

whereas Heron makes you almost fall over when coming out of Liverpool St. T42 may be good in skyline shots, but Heron is the daddy from the street. .
..and those who argue HT being referred to as the daddy need to take that walk..may aid them changing their opinion.Photographs,IMO,will not do this building ultimate justice

Setback/midblock towers rather than corner block locations for towers do have significant advantages;
- much less wind/turbulance at the tower bases due to wind being deflected downwards;
- visually, significantly less impact on the streetscape.
In Vancouver, inserting high rise towers in traditional type streetscapes or sensitive locations is achieved with much greater success if the tower is mid-block, or is built on a podium which respects and maintains the street walls. Planners discourage corner block locations and as a consequence the public are much more accepting.

This could be said for T42, it is not as obvious a presence in the immediate streetscapes and has not had much criticism for its impact in this sense. HT is much more dramatic, with great soar as everyone concurs, and is essentially occupying a whole block. I like this building very much, it is a high quality design from top to bottom. However, it is not set back, and does not have a significant podium, and as a consequence may end up very windy at pavement level due to downdrafts? Hopefully not, but I guess we will know very soon.

I still think the Heron looks short in real life. :p

I can't wait to view the Pinnacle however coming up Threadneedle street and seeing that monster!

Podiums are pretty much a no-no nowadays.

Erm,no.Nothing like seeing a building for real,the real thing reflecting it's (sic) real environs,in 3D etc etc
We'll see.

Podiums are pretty much a no-no nowadays.

I have to say I am not too sure, a few of the new build skyscrapers around Tokyo Station have podiums and it works. The podiums themselves look like extremely high quality groundscrapers, just with the advantage of a massive tower sticking out the roof.

http://www.emporis.com/images/6/2007/10/565135.jpg

The Shin-Marunouchi Building, completed in 2007 for example (it looks better in the flesh).

From Greenwich park;

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa278/fit3xl/bbc/DSC06036.jpg

The cluster looks great from there Fitz, everything is nice a evenly spread.

That's an excellent picture, I'm looking at it trying to figure out how much taller Heron will get. Will it look taller than T42 from where that was taken?

That's an excellent picture, I'm looking at it trying to figure out how much taller Heron will get. Will it look taller than T42 from where that was taken?

Definately. Even without the spire.

God no! lol I have much love for T42, I just meant due to their different cladding styles they're pretty hard to compare. Fair do's ;)

Podiums are pretty much a no-no nowadays.

Someone needs to tell that to the Bishopsgate Goodsyard planners...

The extra two floors have now really make it look like one of the big 3. Thanks for the Photo

I make it now 38 floors, 161m / 528ft, so not far off Broadgate

That's an excellent picture, I'm looking at it trying to figure out how much taller Heron will get. Will it look taller than T42 from where that was taken?

http://skyscraperpage.com/diagrams/?searchID=44479624

That's an excellent picture, I'm looking at it trying to figure out how much taller Heron will get. Will it look taller than T42 from where that was taken?

Has another 40 metres structure to go,and then 44m spire (which equates to roughly half Herons current height YET TO BE ADDED),at floor 37 i'd say.The actual structure will rise above T42,from that viewpoint

Has another 40 metres structure to go,and then 44m spire (which equates to roughly half Herons current height YET TO BE ADDED)

I wish people would stop saying this. It's all wishful thinking, the spire will make zero difference to how tall the tower actually looks...

I wish people would stop saying this. It's all wishful thinking, the spire will make zero difference to how tall the tower actually looks...

Well I wouldn't say zero difference, as I think someone said before, the spire is on one of the corners of the building. When standing on that corner, and looking up, it'll give it that extra soar. From medium to long distance viewing it may not do a great deal for it though I agree.

Well I wouldn't say zero difference, as I think someone said before, the spire is on one of the corners of the building. When standing on that corner, and looking up, it'll give it that extra soar. From medium to long distance viewing it may not do a great deal for it though I agree.

I too agree with these last couple of posts. The building will appear to terminate at upper roof level. The mast however may be lit at night and at the very least will have to have an aircraft warning beacon at the top, so night Heron Tower will at least have a 'presence' on the skyline taller than Tower 42.
I hope it's a blinking one, shame they turned the flashing to static on Broadgate. Flashing beacons add a bit of animation to the skyline. However I'm sure there are CAA rules for how these lights are used.

Right back to Heron Tower then.

Hmm,how so? Much as i like T42 for its slim soar,Heron will be the daddy IMO

Sorry, but I have so protest at anyone calling this upstart 'The Daddy'. T42 IS the Daddy... show some goddam respect.

taken yesterday:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2701/4049102749_2fc3530f97_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2720/4049103749_f152176ea6_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2496/4049104649_4c11b931f4_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2611/4049851934_1fd623c414_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2572/4049848110_a03e6b8eb8_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2502/4049106517_545b6d8909_b.jpg

these latest heron pictures have given me a diamond tipped, platinum enriched, tungsten carbide coated boner

awesome

these latest heron pictures have given me a diamond tipped, platinum enriched, tungsten carbide coated boner

awesome

*wrist slap*

don't you know we're not supposed to talk about those sorts of things on this forum anymore!

Do the guys driving the TC's have to climb all the way from the bottom each day or can they get a lift part of the way up and get on the ladders near the top? They must be superhumanly fit if it's the former!

these latest heron pictures have given me a diamond tipped, platinum enriched, tungsten carbide coated boner

awesome

You idoit! If a building has that effect on you then you are a weirdo

Do the guys driving the TC's have to climb all the way from the bottom each day or can they get a lift part of the way up and get on the ladders near the top? They must be superhumanly fit if it's the former!

They go up majority of the way by lift then ladder it to the top.
On 100MS they have to ladder it the whole way (ouch.)...

I wish people would stop saying this. It's all wishful thinking, the spire will make zero difference to how tall the tower actually looks...

:ohno:
As for the reason Yorkshire boy rightly stated,it will make some difference.

You idoit! If a building has that effect on you then you are a weirdo

haha oh dear drew

They go up majority of the way by lift then ladder it to the top.
On 100MS they have to ladder it the whole way (ouch.)...
I was wondering the same. On LBT I assume the supports that span outward near the top will include walkways (how about a site visit and 'walk to the crane' - that'll be some walk ;0))

I wish people would stop saying this. It's all wishful thinking, the spire will make zero difference to how tall the tower actually looks...

I agree, This tower is nearly at height, just a few floors to go. People are saying another 100m to go but that is just the spire. Yes the spire will look good but this skyscraper will look like a 200m and not a 250m high skyscraper. Even the last few floors won't make it look higher from all directions.

haha oh dear drew

well... come on. I know your just trying to portray your enthusiasm for this building but when you read it it just sounds perverted and weird.:lol:

http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/6076/heronpano.jpg
http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/7291/s10519431024x768.jpg
http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/7918/s10519281024x768.jpg
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/4161/s10519511024x768.jpg
http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/4494/s10519731024x768.jpg

I agree, This tower is nearly at height, just a few floors to go. People are saying another 100m to go but that is just the spire. Yes the spire will look good but this skyscraper will look like a 200m and not a 250m high skyscraper. Even the last few floors won't make it look higher from all directions.

It's not ''nearly at its height''.Has another 40m to roof,130 feet.
FFS,all i said was that it has another 40 metres to go structure-wise,then another 44 metres of spire.The spire is not 100 metres:ohno: And yes,of course the main substance of any building is...the building:ohno::lol:

http://i38.tinypic.com/2qbelip.jpg

http://i37.tinypic.com/34yxmbk.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/vvp6f.jpg

Great pictures SE9. Where is this taken from?

They are from New Cross... dubbed London's "Wild West".

SE9 - that view point is fantastic the City looks like a 'proper' skyline from there - is the view point public?

Heron is one sexy tower, more please

SE9 - that view point is fantastic the City looks like a 'proper' skyline from there - is the view point public?

Unfortunately not.. its from a block of flats which should have keycode-access, but its broken.

SE9 - that view point is fantastic the City looks like a 'proper' skyline from there
That's what I thought - I don't recall seeing it from that angle before and it does show it off to its best effect.

A wider view to the photos posted before, which will accommodate the Shard in 2 or so years time: http://i37.tinypic.com/nx80nt.jpg

^ seems you've exceeded your monthly photobucket allowance! You'll have to wait another month before we can view them again :(

Can you host them on tinypic (or similar) for the meantime? :)

Good shot,really showing off Herons gathering height,and filling that skyline a little more.

Gosh SE9, what a superb angle! Thanks a dozen! One can only hope you continue taking pictures from there ;)

cough HINT cough :)

holy crap se9 :)

:ohno:
As for the reason Yorkshire boy rightly stated,it will make some difference.

But as also rightly stated, that effect will be minimal.

This would be perfect if the top was open to the public as a viewing gallery.:ohno: Still, at least the Shard across the river should fulfill that function...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/luke82/BuildingPics281009007.jpg

This would be perfect if the top was open to the public as a viewing gallery.

Anyone can visit the bar and restaurant.

I believe public access was a condition of the planning consent as London has a dearth of high rise bars and restaurants.

One more thing... there are 'rumours' in the property industry that this is 50% let. Bloomberg are a possible occupier as they've been hunting for new offices for a while. Heron Tower will hold ~4000 workers and Bloomberg have ~2000 in London so read into that what you will.....

Seems ironic that a tower designed specifically to accommodate a number of smaller businesses may end up with one large one - should this rumour be the case.

^^
money talks! i'm sure the developers care not a jot as long it's fully let...

Photo's really dont do this building justice, I urge anyone who hasn't seen it in the flesh to do so immediatley, the soar factor of its sheer walls is imense especially from outside Liverpool Street, it feel mamoth.
The Cladding is top notch also, especially on the beams, however I hope the use of multiple cladding doesn't become to messy as it travels further up, I'm sure it wont, this really is a fantastic tower, I cannot wait to see the fish tank.

Took these on Tuesday. I'm afraid I'm not very familiar with central London - can someone identify the tower on the left in the first picture?

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs091.snc3/15842_301798055033_841240033_9332859_7262099_n.jpg

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs111.snc3/15842_301795220033_841240033_9332823_1009414_n.jpg

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs091.snc3/15842_301792425033_841240033_9332813_1794045_n.jpg

99 Bishopsgate

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs111.snc3/15842_301795220033_841240033_9332823_1009414_n.jpg
This has probably been asked or answered before, but re the cladding on this face of the tower, on the right hand side, there are black panels every third floor - is that temporary or will they look like that when the tower is finished?

One more thing... there are 'rumours' in the property industry that this is 50% let. Bloomberg are a possible occupier as they've been hunting for new offices for a while. Heron Tower will hold ~4000 workers and Bloomberg have ~2000 in London so read into that what you will.....

Estates Gazette are reporting that Bloomberg are considering remaining at their current location. They have also been sniffing around the Walbrook although Minerva, as developers of the only large chunk of completely unoccupied space in the city which is approaching completion, are holding out for around £50per square foot.

Bloomberg's current offices are spectacular inside, would be a shame if they decided to move

This has probably been asked or answered before, but re the cladding on this face of the tower, on the right hand side, there are black panels every third floor - is that temporary or will they look like that when the tower is finished?

I believe that its a feature of the cladding.

I feared that might be the case.

Mmm looks naff! Like the concrete stairwell - could have been covered with something shiny.

could have been covered with something shiny.

It will eventually.

From the top of the Monument yesterday (after struggling to take a decent picture through the wire mesh):

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2663/4055776632_78da5ae83f_o.jpg

Fantastic photo Pencil Case.. looks like it could be taken from a movie!
From the Monument it does wonders for spacing out the skyline and giving some height variation.

nice, love the deep blue sky. Even set several hundred metres back in the cluster, Heron is imposing and making her presence felt already. 10 floors to go and then the spire!

Mmm looks naff! Like the concrete stairwell - could have been covered with something shiny.As much as I like the tower, I've come to the conclusion I don't like the cladding for a couple of reasons. Firstly, its different on each side and looks messy like Willis. And rather than have nice shiny steel horizontal facades over the steel beams every third floor, I wish it were on every floor. The glass cladding showing the grey horizontal steel beams is awful, as are the relatively smallish window panes (something I am worried will appear on the Shard too) There is no shiny steel vertically at all, but at least we get the shiny steel diagonally on some faces of the tower.

So while, overall its thumbs up to Heron, it's sleek, not overbearing on the skyline like the fat lumps at CW, the cladding up close could have been better. At least the shiny steel does take the eyes away from where there isn't the shiny steel, just a shame it wasn't all over.

A hazy view from Canary Wharf today.

http://i693.photobucket.com/albums/vv295/nihildicit2/30Oct09010.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v281/luke82/BuildingPics301009001.jpg

It's strange, isn't it that while we, who are interested in new and tall buildings, are aware of the protests of EH, HRH etc, and their claims to represent the majority in their dislike for tall buildings, so little is made if this tower in the media. I have not seen any mention of Heron rising on TV or much in the media. No pannick, no excitment - most people just seem to be totally indifferent, most don't even seem to know about the Shard, and certainly not RS.

It's just goes to show that most people don't care one way or another about tall buildings.

It's good that the media are keeping it quiet, let's keep it that way, additional scrutiny will not be helpful to secure more tall buildings.

In terms of the media this isn't excpetional tall or radical to warrant reporting about. As far as they are concerned it's just another office tower going up.

The Gherkin was the watershed moment for the City.

Now the Shard will get press coverage.

Btw I see the closest TC has been jacked up in Luke's photo. That must me the final lift.

From the top of the Monument yesterday (after struggling to take a decent picture through the wire mesh):

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2663/4055776632_78da5ae83f_o.jpg

That's one of the best pics we've had on here pencialcase.

What camera was it taken with? It almost looks like a Lomu.

dp

I think quite a few people would/will be interested in the Shard/Pinnacle,come the time.People are showing interest in the Shard as a construction site,and if the media were to cover Heron etc,then interest would be there i'm sure,as it is tall for the UK.
As for Heron,my missus isn't into scrapers,but she appreciates them much more now-including the likes of Heron tower.The media may at times show the celeb/football news over REAL news,and thus leaving out news such as Londons gradual dramatic changing of skyline is not so much a surprise is it

That's one of the best pics we've had on here pencialcase.

What camera was it taken with? It almost looks like a Lomu.

Canon 40D. As you can see by the dark lines in the corners, it was almost impossible to take a picture through the wire mesh at the top of the Monument. Couldn't they make the holes in the mesh big enough to let you take an image without it being obscured completely by wires.
:gaah:

^ Silly isn't it.

When I was in Melbourne a few years back we went up the Rialto Towers observation deck which had an outdoor section. Although there was effectively an cage around you the gaps were enough to get a lens through, and that must have been 240 odd meters up.

I believe that its a feature of the cladding.

Surely neither of these are permanent!!
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u90/sirstan74/PA310004.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u90/sirstan74/PA310003.jpg

[QUOTE=sirstan74;45500337]Surely neither of these are permanent:

Of course ther're not the final cladding finishes!!!

Let's please judge Heron Tower when complete. Even when nearly fully clad, the tower cranes will have to come down and a lot of 'making good' will happen.

Twill be a triumph! Happy Halloween all!

Surely neither of these are permanent

In the second case definitely not. Not only are the clips that the cladding will be attached to clearly visible, but they've actually started work on cladding the south side. Unfortunately the work done so far (a floor or two at the base) is pretty much obscured by scaffolding and work platforms.

yesterday..
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3487/4061780691_b5a552d5fb_b.jpg

On the home straight now!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2673/4064725515_ae5933f58d_b.jpg

certainly beginning to take shape now

http://i35.tinypic.com/2wlsg28.jpg

Brief trip back to London. First time to see heron tower since the end of august. It does truly look like a skyscraper now. Very impressed by the cladding on the northern face as well.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/28418222@N02/archives/date-taken/2009/11/01/detail/

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2657/4066178378_3d9def473b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28418222@N02/4066178378/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2783/4065427233_c12e2d738d_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28418222@N02/4065427233/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2574/4065425549_d8daaf2b6b_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28418222@N02/4065425549/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2542/4066173834_49ae419605_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28418222@N02/4066173834/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2714/4066171962_2aa1cb5a2f_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28418222@N02/4066171962/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2475/4065420337_efafef1b43_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28418222@N02/4065420337/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2724/4065418541_5af169a5c1_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28418222@N02/4065418541/)

that cladding in the last image (excluding the links)looks superb. It's funny how it doesnt look very tall from that angle, although that will probably change when the cladding is complete

^^

Yep, the cladding does look good at an angle.

As for the height issue, I'd say it does look 150m+ at the moment. I think the idea that it will truly soar like a supertall is too much to expect. The other problem is that it has very defined floors. Tower 42 could easily seem to be 300m without a reference object, thats what makes it look very tall when you look up it. But in a landscape shot, the height becomes very apparent.

^^Much as I like this tower ( and I do) Lets be honest it's not really a 'skyscraper' is it? It dosn't look tall because it isn't that tall!!!

^^Much as I like this tower ( and I do) Lets be honest it's not really a 'skyscraper' is it? It dosn't look tall because it isn't that tall!!!

Well it does look at least 150m tall. I'm pretty sure that's what the average person on the street would say without knowing the actual height like us.

Therefore, by SSC definitions, it looks like a skyscraper.

I looks bloody tall when you walk out of Liverpool St. Photos really don't give you the full effect, anyway it's not finishet yet, there must be at least another 25m+ of main structure, plus a bloody great 44m mast stuck on top.

^ Exactly. The building will have a lot more soar once the main part is built up to 202m.

^^Much as I like this tower ( and I do) Lets be honest it's not really a 'skyscraper' is it? It dosn't look tall because it isn't that tall!!!

For crying out loud! The damn things nowhere near finished! Have a look at the Heron Tower website and you'll see just how much is still to be constructed.

Anyway it is a skyscraper by definition as it is over 150m tall.

yes it really is a skyscraper, and it doesn't matter where you are as a rule skyscrapers only look really tall when viewed from a distance, this goes for all the tall bulidings in NYC, when you're walking down 5th Av or downtown those buildings only look really tall from a far, generally at street they level don't look so imposing.

This is a skyscraper, it is tall and it'll be beautiful when completed

Canon 40D. As you can see by the dark lines in the corners, it was almost impossible to take a picture through the wire mesh at the top of the Monument. Couldn't they make the holes in the mesh big enough to let you take an image without it being obscured completely by wires.
:gaah:

I heard a story from one of our photographers about someone taking a photo from the monument viewing gallery a year or so a go (maybe longer) and managed to press one of the bars against his shutter release button and stood helpless as his lens dropped to the floor.

^^Much as I like this tower ( and I do) Lets be honest it's not really a 'skyscraper' is it? It dosn't look tall because it isn't that tall!!!


It looks taller in the flesh (as testified by most),and it still has some way to go,being about 160m now,so about 42m to go,plus a 44m spire.

^^Much as I like this tower ( and I do) Lets be honest it's not really a 'skyscraper' is it? It dosn't look tall because it isn't that tall!!!

I agree, it's not that tall. Canada Square isn't even tall by any other standard except The London definition as to how high a skyscraper should be. Only in London do any of these buildings look tall because there is nothing else to judge them by. Bishopsgate Tower and the Shard are the first true skyscrapers in London. However, they are all we've got so they look quite cool. I like the way London skyscrapers look because anything much taller than the Shard would look out of place. I don't think anybody wants Dubai supertalls in London. I for one would rather have a good designed medium skyscraper like Bishopsgate Tower any day.

What a load of tosh . A 200m building is tall regardless where it is.

Its only been the last ten years or so in places like Dubai & China that 250-300m+ towers have become more common. The vast majority of cities in the world would consider a 200m a pretty tall skyscraper.

I agree, it's not that tall. Canada Square isn't even tall by any other standard except The London definition as to how high a skyscraper should be.

It's a new month, it must be time for the 'Definition of tallness' debate again!

We should hopefully see a more rapid increase in height now that the upper floors and setbacks are going in. Heron Tower is now taller than Broadgate and is nearly catching up with 30 St Mary Axe. In few weeks it will have taken over Tower 42.

It will be a fine addition to our skyline, just wish the diagonal braces faced South so I could see them!

To DREWHALLAM, What a load of old bollocks you speak!!!!!!

^^:lol:

A careful analysis of the process of observation in small buildings has shown that they have no meaning as isolated entities, but can only be understood as interconnections in between the streets.

This is a bloody skyscraper! End of.

To DREWHALLAM, What a load of old bollocks you speak!!!!!!

Bolllocks that happens to be true. Honestly you lot are just as bad as the Americans who won't tolerate one word against their beloved Freedom Tower, only here nobody will tolerate anybody who dares to say that Heron Tower is not that tall, it is average tallness when it comes to height. Nothing in London is that tall. Are you lot blind, Maybe a self deluded opinion about London been a place of skyscrapers has you all in some kind of mass hypnosis, but ask anybody from anywhere else in the world and they all say the same - London is flat and full of low buildings, maybe you get the odd skyscraper poking its head above the rest but even these are just average and London is well renowned for been low rise. Get it into your thick skulls.:lol:

Why does it bother you so much that its not that tall? Look matey, its a nice 'little' building that we all like looking at. I think we can one day see all these tiny buildings surrounded by supertalls but now this is our time in the primeval soup of scrapers and its a bit tasty at the moment. Awight?

What exactly are you using as a frame of reference to state that 202m is not tall? Burj Dubai? This is tall for 99% of world cities, and tall in general. Please go stand at its base and say its not tall. But no, you would rather just troll and insult the intelligence of the posters here. So get out of this thread and go badger the people in Dubai, and leave us to apprieciate the development of our city, Mr Hallam.

london is maybe "low rise" in a skyscraper sense (not for much longer) but it is no way low rise in general buildings it is covered in almost every angle in tower blocks. look at most big american citys apart from a few skyscrapers in the middle their skylines are as flat as a pancake with 1 story buildings and not much else. :ohno: "202m is not tall" what have you been smoking, im from paris and all the buildings in La defense are below 200m and they look really tall.

What exactly are you using as a frame of reference to state that 202m is not tall? Burj Dubai? This is tall for 99% of world cities, and tall in general. Please go stand at its base and say its not tall. But no, you would rather just troll and insult the intelligence of the posters here. So get out of this thread and go badger the people in Dubai, and leave us to apprieciate the development of our city, Mr Hallam.

I rest my case, and I haven't insulted anybody. having a different opionion is obviously an insult to you because it differs from yours. A typical response.:bash:

I rest my case, and I haven't insulted anybody. having a different opionion is obviously an insult to you because it differs from yours. A typical response.:bash:

Get it into your thick skulls.:lol:

Thats insulting and arrogant. You are nothing but a troll.

DrewHallam don't even bother trying to debate if you can't remember what you have even written before - you should be banned from this forum, you're typical of the antagonistic moron that discourages professionals from registering and giving us information that we all look for.

He is correct when he says Heron is not that tall as compared to skycrapers in America, Asia or Middle-East.

But:

1. Heron Tower is a world-class skyscraper. Top-notch. Few skycrapers in the world are in the same league. Check out the skyscrapers in Dubaï: so kitch for me, apart from Burj Al Arab and Burj Dubai, most of them are just hideous (sorry for the guys in Dubaï, it is my own opinion).

2. London is a world-class city. Burj dubai is 800m+ with an obsevatory level. So what? There is nothing to see apart from dust. Eiffel Tower is 324m+ mast. But is a master-piece of architecture in a world-class city as well. With an observatory level to see something worthwhile: Paris.

In short, I do not care with height as such, London will never built towers such as Burj Dubaï and there is no point of doing it. More important is the quality of the skyscrapers and their location. Heron is a real skycraper, tall according to european standards, with fantastic views on a world-class city.

Thats insulting and arrogant. You are nothing but a troll.

Easy now.

I think it would be fair to say that the Heron Tower is tall for london, even if there isn't much relatively speaking between it, Swiss Re and T42, as the rest of london is a fair bit shorter (CW excluded).

I don't think there's anything to be gained from questioning peoples views in such a way, nor tempting as it may be, to call each other names.

This is a London Metro Area forum and within the specified area Heron Tower is pretty tall. End of. (won't be but should be).

Heron is a skyscraper by world standards. Why be modest about it?

On the front page, you'll notice we have a 200m+ section for skyscrapers -

http://www.skyscrapercity.com

"Discussions of projects under construction between 200-299m/650-999ft tall."

Just wait till the roof section is complete and the whole thing is lit up at night, then you'll see its true impact. :)

I know what will silence him. If Heron was in New York it would be the 15th tallest in the city.

I know what will silence him. If Heron was in New York it would be the 15th tallest in the city.

If they put it in the middle of Chipping Norton or right on the cross roads on the top of Crystal Palace it would appear colossal.

All relative.

I agree, it's not that tall. Canada Square isn't even tall by any other standard .

:ohno: Quite sad...and wrong

Yeah, it's not tall. Not tall at all. No impact on anything around it whatsoever. Nope.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2663/4068563561_f2ecc2c993_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2663/4068578285_3333c3cd7b_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2685/4069339850_f568b9c9af_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2598/4068597113_e38be4bfde_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2667/4068600579_ee35155074_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3166/4068608739_ea96c7908e_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2561/4069367472_284e2b7dff_b.jpg

Awesome!

Good set of photos.. especially the first two!

One more to add from distance:

http://i37.tinypic.com/2k3e3t.jpg

Beautiful pics, now lets move on and enjoy it!!!!!!

I agree, it's not that tall. Canada Square isn't even tall by any other standard except The London definition as to how high a skyscraper should be. Only in London do any of these buildings look tall because there is nothing else to judge them by. Bishopsgate Tower and the Shard are the first true skyscrapers in London. However, they are all we've got so they look quite cool. I like the way London skyscrapers look because anything much taller than the Shard would look out of place. I don't think anybody wants Dubai supertalls in London. I for one would rather have a good designed medium skyscraper like Bishopsgate Tower any day.

I don't get what your saying the london definition The heron by world definition is a skyscraper are you telling everyone here that 202m is not tall(forget the spire).Well why don't you prove it and jump off the top when it's complete if it aint tall you'll land on your feet no problem, but of course you wouldn't and why,because it's TOO TALL you'd be a stain on the pavement.any building over 150m is considered tall anything over 300m is a supertall.You praise bishopsgate well heron comes under the same catagory my friend.

Love Darren's first photo. I different angle and you really see the setbacks now.

The skyline impact in SE9's pano is stunning. Thanks guys.

Yeah, it's not tall. Not tall at all. No impact on anything around it whatsoever. Nope.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2663/4068563561_f2ecc2c993_b.jpg


Breathtaking shot - love the depth/perspective. Very imposing.

thats gotta be the best angle to view the Heron especially when complete with sprie.

wow DarJoLe!!

Iv'e said it before, you are my fav poster!!

Just out of interest, where was this picture taken from? That has to be one of my favourate angles...

I know what will silence him. If Heron was in New York it would be the 15th tallest in the city.

202m = joint 49th with the Trump tower actually.

But yes, only a fool (or a troll) would say this isn't tall or a proper skyscraper.

Just out of interest, where was this picture taken from? That has to be one of my favourate angles...

Petticoat Lane Market...if you look at the street lights they each have a sign on them at the top.

202m = joint 49th with the Trump tower actually.

But yes, only a fool (or a troll) would say this isn't tall or a proper skyscraper.

Ah I was including spires!

But that makes it all the more complicated. Both the Chrysler Building and New York Times Tower have very tall spires on them, with the latter being around 280m in reality as opposed to the 319m full height.

Those NY spires really grow out of the main structure - The spire in the Empire State is about 80 meters and this adds true value to the height as its so bold. Heron's looks more like a needle on the renders? Difficult to judge the true height, until complete.

Those NY spires really grow out of the main structure - The spire in the Empire State is about 80 meters and this adds true value to the height as its so bold. Heron's looks more like a needle on the renders? Difficult to judge the true height, until complete.

Most certainly agreed, but there are some exceptions, however. The times tower, bank of america tower and conde nast to name a few

Some shots from yesterday:

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o190/jmoxon/London/Heron.jpg

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o190/jmoxon/London/DSCF3261.jpg

Compared to this photo from April

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o190/jmoxon/London/DSCF2090.jpg

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o190/jmoxon/London/DSCF3297.jpg

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o190/jmoxon/London/DSCF3300.jpg

Cheers for those Joamox, 'loving the last photo in particular! Can't wait for Bish Tower to fill that gap :) keep up the good work!

You see, this is why I don't get the heritage lobby at times - (but I'll admit its me being naive!) but that view looks better with Heron in it, and I'm not saying that due to being a skyscraper enthusiast. I don't see how retaining a fragmented cluster is any less invasive. If you are going to allow one or two skyscrapers, you've lost that principle IMO - there are only a few examples I can think of where this kind of notion benefits the cityscape/skyline.

By having the addition of Heron, the City cluster looks more coherant, more balanced and creates a more unified backdrop to the likes of St Pauls (well, at least from this view), far better than having a segmented cluster. As I said though, I know that no conservationalist will see it like that. Skyscraper enthusiast or not though, Heron is looking superb!

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o190/jmoxon/London/DSCF3261.jpg

It still has a long way to go yet.

http://www.finfacts.com/artman/uploads/2/HERON_TOWER_London_dec172008.jpg

You can see how low the first set back is compared to the full roof height there.

It still has a long way to go yet

You can see how low the first set back is compared to the full roof height there.

Thanks Newcastle Guy, this really puts things in perspective. From the render it looks like the equivalent of the height of 5 'villages' from the bottom of th first set back to the top of the final roofy bit. That will look pretty imposing even without the spire mast. I do feel this is going to suddenly look a lot taller very quickly.

with regards to the experience of height arguement, the building does look really good coming out of low rise London. It is less successful in the cluster view I feel. This is one reason that I am dead against 100 Bishopsgate in its currently planned guise as this would spoil both the near and distant experience of Heron Tower

fantastic pics of the buildings over the past few weeks people, this is really coming together now, top notch cladding! looking very sleek and tall now, really starting to pull the city cluster together as it gets ever higher.

Some shots from yesterday:

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o190/jmoxon/London/Heron.jpg

that is brilliant. really doesn't look like london.
now if only we could have one of those in reading:lol:
great update:)

From Hampstead Heath on Monday

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2533/4072976109_a2b811dc89_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2735/4073735360_8ee9da23eb_b.jpg

Excellent shots GazKinz, particularly the first one without Broadgate which is far too wide for its height in my humble opinion. Thankfully it was built well away from the City core.

I like the tower, but not a fan of the cladding on the south facade; it looks very fragile/delicate... doesn't have the presence as the rest of the building with the cross-bracing, girders etc.

Would we say the tip of the boom on the crane is about 200m?

I'd say more - perhaps up to 220m?

Anyway as I was coming home tonight, admiring the lit up clusters of CW and the City, and what I think may have been the BT Tower, I noted that Heron's impact on the skyline is now unquestionable - from where I was in Lee, SE it appeared as tall as the Ghekrin and T42.

yes, from south east london the heron appears to be at the same height level as them. I have a feeling that maybe the Heron might overtake T42 as the "daddy" of the city skyline once it has topped out.

Does anyone have any idea how tall it is currently? Can't be very long at all now before it overtakes Swiss RE and Tower 42...

Does anyone have any idea how tall it is currently? Can't be very long at all now before it overtakes Swiss RE and Tower 42...

Its currently at 165m. Still a way to go! Believe me, this tower will be every bit as imposing as tower 42 and Swiss RE. It will have a certain elegance about it too, the spire although not the roof height will give it the illusion of being taller than just 202m as from some angles it will draw the eye upwards and the fact the spire is positioned on the edge of the tallest section and not slightly hidden will help too.
Remember that thin section of the building on the south side goes straight up from your toes to the roof with the spire in view, this will give it incredible soar and also the cladding on this thin section has many smaller panes of glass (height of each pane), this will trick your mind into thinking it has many floors. The only reason tower 42 looks so tall is because its cladding has many verticle lines in it drawing the eye upwards, the floors are less identifiable. It has a lot to do with illusions how high a building looks, and this tower has it, just not yet, be patient because once this final section is done and the cladding is on including the spire then there will be a new 'Daddy' in town!

when i walked down the city road today i noticed they started work on the next two levels.

Some shots from yesterday:

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o190/jmoxon/London/Heron.jpg



You see those sortof black marks/ gaps in the cladding? well... are they there to stay or part of the design? because they are really... really... REALLY ANNOYING!!! Its like its unfinished. Reallllly fustrating lol.

Please get back to me on that one

when i walked down the city road today i noticed they started work on the next two levels.

So would that be levels 39 & 40? If so it would make it approx 169m

[QUOTE=milkymilky;45701849]So would that be levels 39 & 40? If so it would make it approx 169m[/QUOTE

the maths says 159.6m