Say hello to "Gotham City", London's new £400m skyscraper at Leadenhall Street

Say hello to the newest addition to London’s skyline: A 170 metre high skyscraper on Leadenhall Street nicknamed the “Gotham City”.

Backed by fund managers Henderson Global investors, the £400m tower blocks will be one of Britain’s biggest high-rises with up to 34 storeys and 20,000 sq ft of shops and restaurants at ground level. Designed by Make Architects, the building will be London’s 13th highest building. If the plan gets planning permission, it is expected to be completed by 2019.

The building is said to be inspired by iconic American skyscrapers like the Rockefeller Centre in New York and the Fisher Building in Chicago, which was the backdrop for Gotham City in Tim Burton’s Batman movie.

Geoff Harris, director of property development, Henderson Global Investors, told the Standard: “We are proposing a scheme which will fit in with the rich urban character of streets and spaces of EC3 with tall towers and lower rise blocks, primary thoroughfares, hidden alleyways and discreet public spaces.

“Make has designed a great building in a location which can accommodate a tall building but which varies in height from 7 to 34 stories to respect local and strategic views.”