Tower 42 (formerly NatWest Tower)
Tower 42, formerly the NatWest Tower, is a landmark City of London skyscraper completed in 1980. Originally NatWest's headquarters, it now contains offices, dining venues and event spaces with a distinctive three‑lobed plan.
Overview
Tower 42 stands in the financial district of the City of London and was developed as the headquarters for National Westminster Bank (NatWest). Its stepped, three‑lobed profile was intended to echo the bank’s emblem and to make efficient use of a constrained central‑London site. Construction began in the early 1970s, the building was first occupied in 1980 and it was officially opened on 11 June 1981 by Queen Elizabeth II. For many years after completion it was the tallest commercial building in the United Kingdom and a prominent feature of the London skyline.
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Design and architecture
The tower’s exterior is characterised by a clustered arrangement of vertical ribs forming three main faceted elevations around a central core. This configuration produces a relatively compact external silhouette while delivering usable office floorplates and service zones. The façade combines glazing with metal and stone cladding typical of late‑20th‑century high‑rise commercial architecture. Internally the building is organised around lift and service cores with grouped floor zones to optimise circulation and building services for tenants.
Construction and early history
Built during the 1970s, the project represented a major corporate investment of its era. The reported construction cost at the time was notable and the building’s completion marked a shift in London toward taller, modern office towers. Over subsequent decades the tower has been refurbished and reconfigured to meet changing standards of workplace provision, building regulations and energy efficiency while retaining its characteristic external form.
Use, access and amenities
Today Tower 42 functions as a multi‑tenant office building hosting firms from the financial and professional services sectors. It also includes public and hospitality spaces: historically the building has offered a restaurant on a mid‑level floor and a champagne and seafood bar near the upper levels, attracting both diners and corporate clients with panoramic views across the City. Such amenities have been part of the building’s appeal for events and private functions.
Significance and later developments
As one of the earliest large modern office towers in the City of London, Tower 42 illustrates trends in corporate architecture and the evolution of the capital’s skyline. It remained one of the tallest buildings in the City until newer towers were completed in the 2000s. Over time the building’s ownership, tenancy mix and internal arrangements have changed to reflect the transition from single‑occupier headquarters to multi‑tenant office leasing.
Notable facts
- Originally known as the NatWest Tower, the building took its informal name from its principal occupier at the time of construction.
- The tower’s three‑part plan and stepped silhouette were designed with reference to the NatWest logo and to maximise usable office area around a central core.
- Upon completion it was one of the tallest commercial towers in the United Kingdom and remained a City landmark for decades.
- It has been refurbished to provide modern Grade A office accommodation alongside hospitality and event spaces.
Further reading and links
Questions and answers
Q: What is Tower 42?
A: Tower 42, previously known as the NatWest tower or National Westminster Tower, is a skyscraper in the City of London, England.
Q: Why was the design of Tower 42 made to resemble the NatWest logo?
A: From the top, the design of the building is made to resemble the NatWest logo.
Q: When was Tower 42 constructed and when was it opened?
A: Tower 42 was constructed between 1971 and 1980, first occupied in 1980 and opened on 11 June 1981 by Queen Elizabeth II.
Q: How long did Tower 42 remain the tallest building in the City of London?
A: Tower 42 remained the tallest building in the city of London for 30 years until the completion of Heron Tower in December 2009.
Q: What was the cost of building Tower 42?
A: The cost to build Tower 42 was £72 million (£283 million today).
Q: What are the facilities available at Tower 42?
A: Tower 42 has grade A office spaces, a restaurant on the 24th floor, and a champagne and seafood bar on the 42nd floor.
Q: Who opened Tower 42 and when?
A: Tower 42 was opened on 11 June 1981 by Queen Elizabeth II.
Related articles
Author
AlegsaOnline.com Tower 42 (formerly NatWest Tower) Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/100915
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