*Updated* A Tulip is ready to bloom in London

London already has an Eye, a Gherkin, and a Cheese Grater. Now, the City of London has approved plans for The Tulip.

Designed by Foster + Partners (designers of the Gherkin), the Tulip will rise 1,001 feet in the air and be a new cultural and tourist attraction meant to build public engagement within the City and enhance The Gherkin’s public offering.

Viewing galleries at the top of the Tulip will include sky bridges, internal glass slides, and gondola pod rides (think the gyrospheres from the Jurassic World movies) on the building’s façade. Interactive materials and expert guides will enhance the experience for visitors and provide information about the history of London.

A sky bar and restaurants with 360-degree views will give visitors a place to eat and drink high above the city. Another key feature at the top of the Tulip will be an education facility that offers 20,000 free places per year for London’s state school children.

At the ground level, there will be a pocket park alongside a two-story pavilion with a publicly accessible rooftop garden. Half of the perimeter walls around the already completed Gherkin will be removed to improve public access to the revamped site.

Construction is expected to begin in 2020 with completion in 2025.

Update

It seems as though the tulip will not bloom after all. According to the BBC.com, London's Mayor, Sadiq Khan, has rejected plans for the new tower. According to the BBC, the reasons behind the rejection were as follows:

– The design did not constitute the very highest quality of design required for a building in the location

– The proximity, height and material would have a negative impact on the Tower of London World Heritage site

– The space around the proposed building was insufficient to be safe and to prevent overcrowding

– A lack of new cycle parking spaces failed to comply with the London Plan for transport

The Foster + Partners team described themselves as "disappointed" by the Mayor's decision and will "take time to consider potential next steps for The Tulip Project."

The Tulip next to The Gherkin DBOX for Foster + Partners

The Tulip Gondolas DBOX for Foster + Partners

Aerial view of The Tulip DBOX for Foster + Partners

Inside the Tulip viewing deck DBOX for Foster + Partners

Inside the top of The Tulip DBOX for Foster + Partners

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