The Changing Skyline of Lagos: 10 buildings to look out for in 2016

Construction in Lagos is changing not just the skyline of Lagos, but also the lives of its residents. For example, Nigeria's first suspended bridge, also known as the Lekki Ikoyi Bridge, is not only a marvel to behold, but also a popular watering hole for many Lagosians. Further constructions such as man-made islands (Orange Island and Eko Atlantic), are also completely transforming the landmass and shape of the city.

And construction is not slowing down any time soon. With the number of buildings, developments and infrastructural projects currently underway, in 2016 the Lagos streetscapes and skyline will drastically morph into something new.

Future Lagos and Lamudi have compiled  a list of buildings and developments to look out for in 2016.

1. Orange Island

Estimated completion date: 2018/2019

This ambitious real estate project, classified under the new neighborhoods, has been christened as Orange Island. The development, which is already underway, is estimated to cover 150 hectares of land in Lekki, Lagos State. Orange Island, which is similar to Eko Atlantic City project, is a newly berth planned city on the Lagos lagoon, estimated to cost N40 billion and to accommodate 25,000 people.

2.The Lorenzo

Estimated completion date: 2018

Sujimoto Construction Limited has unveiled this 25-storey building which stands as the tallest residential building model in Lagos. The Lorenzo has revived the Florence magnificence as a symbol of structural mastery, bringing ancient grandeur into 21st century architecture.

3.Oasis Centre

Estimated completion date: 2016/2017

The Oasis Centre is a mixed-use scheme with retail and hospitality elements currently under construction on Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way in Ikeja.  The centre will offer 6,100 sqm of leasable retail space, spread evenly across the ground and first floors. Above that, there will be a 200-room hotel, which is expected to be managed by an international brand.

4.Chelsea Hotel

Estimated completion date: Not stated

The site is located at  the intersection of Kingsway, Gerrard and Osborne Road, and considered to be prime real estate in Ikoyi  by prospective real estate developers. Multiple access points, high visibility, coupled with the exclusive Ikoyi location help boost its suitability. Although humble, construction has already commenced on the site of the five-star hotel, developed by the Chelsea Group. The hotel, which will consist of 10 floors and 176 rooms, is estimated to cost $25 million. The distinctive  style of the building will enable completion of the building to be considerably faster than other developments, which typically use concrete.

5.Lagos Urban Rail - Blue line 

Estimated completion date: 2016

The blue line was initially slated for completion in 2011, but has suffered delays due to funding problems. Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode said in November 2015 that the state’s light rail project would be completed by December 2016 and would commence operation immediately.

6.Marriott Lagos Waterfront Hotel

Estimated completion date: late 2017/early 2018

The Marriott Lagos Waterfront, located on Ozumba Mbadiwe road is set to be the latest addition to so-called hotel row. It sits in good company as it joins a neighbourhood of three already existing hotels; Radisson Blu, Anchorage and the Oriental Hotel. Slated to be the first Marriott in Nigeria, this Quantum Luxury Properties development will sit on 5,300sqm, and consist of 10 floors and 200 rooms.

7. Atlantic Resort

 The Atlantic Resort is a multi-purpose development managed by Grenadines Homes. The project is located on Water Corporation Drive, off Ligali Ayorinde Street, Victoria Island. It is designed to house two residential towers and one multi-purpose tower, to be used for commercial and hospitality purposes. The residential tower will consist of 142 one- to three-bed apartments, while the multi-purpose tower will comprise of a 50-room hotel and over 15,000 sqm of lettable office space.

8. Wings Office Complex, Nigeria

Situated in the heart of Victoria Island, the Wings Office Complex is a commercial development consisting of two towers with over 27,000 sqm of lettable office space. The grounds include 700 parking spaces, a gym, boat jetty and restaurants. Construction at this site is already underway and by the looks of things, Cappa & D’alberto will complete construction by the second quarter of 2016.

9. Kingsway Tower, Ikoyi

Kingsway Tower adds to the list of high-rise commercial developments set to transform the vertically growing skyline of Lagos. The building, which is located on the corner of Glover Road and Alfred Rewane Road in Ikoyi is a 16-floor mixed use building offering offices, ground floor retail, restaurants and basement parking. Originally slated to be completed at the end of 2015, it is expected to be ready for use by early 2017.

10. No. 4 Bourdillon

This luxurious 25-storey residential building is located on Bourdillon Road, Ikoyi, and once completed, will be the tallest building in Ikoyi. The Kaizen developed property features an endless list of world class amenities such as: an international size tennis court; an adult swimming pool, children’s swimming pool; a clubhouse; leisure room; outdoor children's area; gym; panoramic lifts; service and goods lifts; gardens; and external visitors parking. Prospective buyers can look forward to three-bed apartments measuring 510 sqm, four-bed apartments measuring 584 sqm, four-bed duplex apartments of 969 sqm and four-bed penthouse apartments measuring 967 sqm and 1,137 sqm. Each unit is fitted with a wrap-around balcony to give tenants a panoramic view of the beautiful Ikoyi skyline. Lush!