THE GHERKIN skyscraper in the City of London could get a brand new next door neighbour with an equally distinctive design if planning permission is granted.

Safra Group, which  owns 30 St Mary Axe, as the Gherkin is officially addressed, has submitted plans to the City of London Corporation for ‘The Tulip.’

The Tulip would be the tallest building in the Square Mile and would be only marginally shorter than the Shard on the other side of the river.

The new structure would create a 1000 ft high observation tower atop a narrow shaft in a design which has also been nicknamed a “cocktail cornichon” by the Guardian.

The tourist attraction, designed by Foster+Partners – also responsible for the Gherkin – would provide views all across London and beyond.