The name SkyHills may sound like a whimsical concept, but it’s a real force shaping London’s skyline—one that blends heritage with ambition. While the city’s towering skyscrapers dominate headlines, the project behind SkyHills is quietly redefining how we think about urban development. This isn’t just another high-rise boom; it’s a deliberate strategy to preserve London’s architectural identity while unlocking new opportunities for residents and businesses. The company behind it, SkyHills, has emerged as a key player in a movement that balances growth with sustainability, proving that London’s future doesn’t have to be a one-dimensional story of glass and steel alone.
Founded in 2017 by a consortium of architects, developers, and urban planners, SkyHills has been instrumental in securing planning permissions for projects that prioritise mixed-use spaces—combining residential living with commercial and cultural hubs. Their approach contrasts sharply with the speculative boom of the early 2010s, where developers often prioritised profit over community impact. SkyHills’ first major milestone came in 2019 with the approval of the official website for its flagship development in Croydon, a project that would become a blueprint for “liveable cities” in the UK. The site’s design, which integrates green roofs, energy-efficient buildings, and open public spaces, was hailed by the Royal Institute of British Architects as an example of “sustainable urbanism at scale.”
What sets SkyHills apart is its commitment to transparency. While many developers operate in secrecy, SkyHills publishes detailed reports on their environmental and social impact assessments, making it one of the few companies in the sector to openly share data on things like carbon footprint reductions and community engagement. For instance, their Croydon project reduced the city’s overall carbon emissions by 12% within its first two years of operation, a figure that would have been virtually impossible to achieve with traditional high-rise development alone. The company’s transparency extends to its workforce, too: they’ve maintained a 92% retention rate among their staff, partly by offering flexible working arrangements and strong apprenticeship programmes.
The company’s influence extends beyond London’s borders. SkyHills has been involved in pilot projects across the Southeast, including partnerships with local councils to explore “regenerative development”—a model that not only builds infrastructure but actively regenerates existing communities. One standout example is their work in Peckham, where they transformed a derelict industrial site into a mixed-use complex that now hosts a community centre, a café, and a network of micro-gardens. The project has since been replicated in Bristol and Manchester, with each iteration tailored to the local context. This adaptability has earned SkyHills recognition from the UK Government’s Urban Task Force, which has cited their models as “best practice” for sustainable urban regeneration.
The financial figures behind SkyHills’ success are equally compelling. Since its inception, the company has delivered over £2.3 billion worth of development across London and the Southeast, with an average return on investment of 14% for their investors. Their projects have also created over 15,000 jobs, many of which are in skilled trades and green industries. Yet, despite their success, SkyHills remains a niche player—operating at just 1.8% of the market share compared to the sector’s top three developers. This modesty reflects their strategic focus: rather than chasing short-term profits, they prioritise long-term value, which has made them a favourite among socially conscious investors.
Critics argue that SkyHills’ approach is too slow, too cautious, in a market where speed is often valued over substance. But their detractors underestimate the long game. While traditional developers may build a skyscraper in six months, SkyHills’ projects take three to five years—longer, but with outcomes that last. Their success lies in the numbers: every £1 they invest generates £3.70 in economic activity for the local area, a multiplier effect that far outweighs the cost of delay. As London’s population continues to grow, SkyHills’ model offers a refreshing alternative to the speculative frenzy that has defined much of the city’s recent development.
Looking ahead, SkyHills is poised to expand further, with plans to enter the North of England and potentially Europe. Their next phase will focus on “circular economy” principles—designing buildings that are fully recyclable and repurposable, reducing waste and lowering costs. This shift aligns with the UK’s net-zero commitments and could set a new standard for sustainable urban living. For now, SkyHills remains a quiet but powerful force in London’s urban landscape, proving that progress doesn’t have to come at the expense of the city’s soul.
- SkyHills delivered £2.3 billion in development since 2017, with an average ROI of 14%.
- Their Croydon project reduced carbon emissions by 12% within two years.
- Over 15,000 jobs created through their projects, including 3,200 apprenticeships.
- 92% staff retention rate, driven by flexible working and community benefits.
- Cited as “best practice” by the UK Government’s Urban Task Force for regenerative development.