It was meant to be an infrastructure masterpiece years ago. But instead of making headlines for its design, Goldin Finance 117 became famous as the world’s tallest abandoned skyscraper. Now, after nearly a decade of standing unfinished, the 1,959-foot (597-metre) tower in Tianjin, China, is finally set to be completed .
Construction is expected to resume, with developers aiming to finish the skyscraper by 2027, Chinese state media reported via CNN. When it topped out in 2015, Goldin Finance 117 was set to be China’s tallest building. But work ground to a halt after the 2015 stock market crash forced developer Goldin Properties into financial trouble. The firm has since gone into liquidation.
The skyscraper, also known as China 117 Tower, had been under construction since 2008.
Designed by P&T Group, it was meant to anchor a luxury development called the Goldin Metropolitan Scheme, which included villas, commercial centres, and even a polo club.
The 117-storey building featured a unique “walking stick” shape and was designed to withstand strong winds and earthquakes using “mega columns”.
The top was to include a diamond-shaped atrium with a swimming pool and observation deck, while the upper floors were reserved for offices and a five-star hotel.
But financial collapse left the building empty, and in 2015 it was officially recognised by Guinness World Records as the tallest unoccupied skyscraper on Earth.
The structure has stood abandoned ever since, becoming a symbol of China’s real estate problems.
In recent years, Chinese authorities have cracked down on overly ambitious construction projects, even banning new skyscrapers over 500 metres in height.
Despite this, CNN reported in April that a new construction permit has been issued for the project.
The permit is valued at 569 million yuan (around £62 million) and names BGI Engineering Consultants, a state-owned company, as the firm in charge of the renewed work.
It’s still unclear if the building will keep its original mixed-use purpose or be reimagined under new investors.
Even when finished, it will no longer be China’s tallest building as Shanghai Tower and Ping An Finance Center have both surpassed it in height.
But experts say its revival could serve a different purpose. The project became a symbol of China’s real estate crisis, after years of over-investment and reckless borrowing left countless developments unfinished across the country.
Speaking to CNN, law professor and real estate expert Qiao Shitong said: “By having this project revived and completed, the government at least hopes it can increase people’s confidence.”
