What Is 20 Fenchurch Street sky garden

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: 20 Fenchurch Street, also known as the 'Walkie-Talkie,' is a 34-storey skyscraper in London completed in 2014. Its Sky Garden is a free public garden on the top floors, offering panoramic views of the city.

Key Facts

20 Fenchurch Street was completed in 2014 after construction began in 2009.
The building stands at 160 meters (525 feet) tall with 34 floors.
Sky Garden is located on floors 35 to 37, accessible by high-speed elevators.
Access to Sky Garden requires free pre-booking due to high visitor demand.
The building was designed by architect Rafael Viñoly and developed by Land Securities and Canary Wharf Group.

Overview

20 Fenchurch Street, commonly known as the 'Walkie-Talkie' due to its distinctive curved shape, is a prominent skyscraper in London’s financial district. Completed in 2014, the 34-storey building was designed by Uruguayan architect Rafael Viñoly and developed by Land Securities and Canary Wharf Group. It stands 160 meters (525 feet) tall and has become a landmark in the City of London skyline.

The building's most notable feature is the Sky Garden, a lush, public-access garden located on the top three floors. This space combines horticulture, hospitality, and panoramic views, offering visitors a unique vantage point over London. Due to its popularity, access is free but requires advance booking through the official website.

Height and structure: The building rises to 160 meters with a unique top-heavy design that widens as it ascends, maximizing space on upper floors.
Construction timeline: Work began in 2009 and was completed in 2014, with delays due to design revisions and planning challenges.
Architectural firm: Rafael Viñoly Architects designed the building, known for other high-profile projects like the Tokyo International Forum.
Sky Garden location: Occupying floors 35 to 37, it is one of the highest public gardens in Europe.
Public access: Entry to the Sky Garden is free but requires registration up to three weeks in advance via the official portal.

How It Works

The Sky Garden functions as a multi-level public space combining greenery, dining, and observation decks, all accessible via high-speed elevators. Visitors ascend from the ground floor to the top in under a minute, emerging into a landscaped environment with tropical plants, seating areas, and glass walls for unobstructed views.

Elevator system:Three double-deck elevators transport up to 1,200 people per hour to the upper levels, minimizing wait times during peak hours.
Climate control: The garden maintains a subtropical microclimate using advanced HVAC systems to support plant life year-round.
Plant diversity: Over 200 species of plants are cultivated, including palms, ferns, and flowering shrubs from around the world.
Viewing platforms: The garden offers 360-degree views stretching up to 30 miles on clear days, encompassing landmarks like St Paul’s Cathedral and The Shard.
Hospitality offerings: Multiple bars and restaurants operate within the space, including Dragon Garden, a Chinese-inspired dining venue.
Event hosting: The Sky Garden hosts corporate events, weddings, and exhibitions, with capacity for up to 700 guests.

Comparison at a Glance

How 20 Fenchurch Street compares to other London skyscrapers with public observation decks:

Building	Height (m)	Public Access	Entry Fee	Year Opened
20 Fenchurch Street	160	Sky Garden (floors 35–37)	Free (with booking)	2015
The Shard	310	View from The Shard (floor 68–72)	£30+ (adult)	2013
One Canada Square	235	No public viewing deck	N/A	N/A
Leadenhall Building	225	Limited public access	Restricted	2014
Heron Tower	230	No public garden or deck	N/A	N/A

The table highlights that 20 Fenchurch Street stands out for offering free access to one of the most visually striking and well-maintained public spaces in London. While not the tallest, its Sky Garden provides a unique combination of green space and hospitality unmatched by competitors. Its 2015 public opening followed a year after construction completion, allowing time for interior fit-out and safety certification.

Why It Matters

The Sky Garden represents a shift in urban architecture toward integrating public spaces into commercial developments. It sets a precedent for how high-rises can contribute to city life beyond office space, promoting accessibility and environmental design in dense urban areas.

Urban greening: The Sky Garden introduces over 1,000 square meters of green space in a district dominated by concrete and steel.
Tourism impact: It attracts over 1.5 million visitors annually, boosting local economy and foot traffic.
Architectural influence: Its design sparked debate on form vs. function, especially after sunlight reflection issues in early years.
Public-private model: Demonstrates how private developers can deliver public amenities in exchange for planning permissions.
Sustainability efforts: Features rainwater harvesting and energy-efficient lighting to reduce environmental footprint.
Cultural role: Hosts art installations and community events, reinforcing its role as a civic space in London.

20 Fenchurch Street’s Sky Garden has redefined expectations for modern skyscrapers, proving that commercial buildings can also serve as vibrant, accessible public destinations.