Destination City: Visitor numbers to Square Mile public rooftop spaces surging

The City of London’s elevated public spaces are proving immensely popular with the public, as visitor numbers continue to soar.

In the year since 20 Fenchurch Street’s Sky Garden welcomed its 10 millionth visitor, a million more have come, reportedly making it one of the world’s most ticketed destinations.

Now, the Square Mile’s newest public roof gardens, terraces and viewing galleries are significantly contributing to the City’s increasing footfall, with 120 Fenchurch’s roof garden (opened Feb 2019) having recently received over 1.5 million visitors, as well as the ‘The Lookout’ at 8 Bishopsgate and ‘Horizon 22’ at 22 Bishopsgate greeting more than half a million people, in less than a year.

With their inclusive, free to visit vantage points and exceptional experiences, each offering unique views over London and its landmarks, this diverse range of award winning and internationally renowned public spaces is helping to drive economic growth, and redefine the City as a welcoming, seven day a week destination, for all communities.

As the public appetite for these sites continues to grow, the City Corporation is aiming to increase the offering of these unique viewing experiences, with more under construction, including at:

• 1 Leadenhall Court,
• 50 Fenchurch St,
• Seal House,
• Millenium Bridge House and
• Citicape House, in Holborn.  

Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee, Shravan Joshi, said:

“The spectacular success of these elevated public spaces show how tall buildings in the City not only provide the high-quality office space we need, but offer benefits to the community and boost the Square Mile’s economic growth and tourist appeal.

“It’s particularly encouraging to see schoolchildren and local communities enjoying the spaces, giving them a feeling of belonging to, and involvement in, the City, its environment, and history.”