London has transformed from a mostly tower-less cityscape into one of the densest and most impressive skylines on the continent. Canary Wharf and the historic core of London, known as 'The City,' have both been dramatically altered, as modern glass office and residential skyscrapers vertically expand the capital's prominence. With these two business districts filling out, other neighbourhoods across the global city are similarly shooting skywards. The East London community of Stratford, famous for Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and the enormous Westfield Stratford City shopping complex, is undergoing a regeneration of its own. A £15 billion investment, representing an increase in population of 131,000 people and 62,000 jobs, is giving this gateway to Central London a fresh face, and Telford Homes' Stratford Central project is just one piece of the larger redevelopment puzzle.

Stratford Central depicted in a rendering, image via Suttonca Architects

The 31-storey tower on Great Eastern Street will act as a magnet for professionals looking to call this reinvigorated cultural quarter home. Chris Sutton of Suttonca Architects designed the building to provide residents with unparalleled views across London. The solid masonry exterior is a marked departure from other recent highrises constructed in East London, which have typically employed glass curtain wall as their primary cladding material. The 'water towers' at the top of the building will house the expansive penthouses. The firm was chosen following stiff competition from other notable practices, including Squire & Partners, Jestico & Whiles, and Stock Woolstencroft

Stratford Central's rendered base, image via Suttonca Architects

Residents will enjoy a 24-hour concierge service accommodated within a stylish double-height lobby and reception area, while a private resident’s gymnasium overlooks this elegant entryway. Steps away from the city's world-class transit hubs and cultural destinations like the O2 Arena and Aspers Casino, Stratford Central puts residents in the middle of the action. 

Stratford Central rising in London, image by Flickr user Jim Linwood via Creative Commons

Recent images from the neighbourhood show the tower's highly visible concrete core and crane stretching several hundred feet above the ground, while the floor plates below continue to encase the service shaft. So far, about half of the rectangular structure has been covered in the masonry and glass skin, with completion expected to take place in 2017. 

Stratford Central construction, image by Flickr user Jim Linwood via Creative Commons

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