It was 2005 and the LEGO Group was in the process of turning away from near collapse and ruin. The Evergreen Town range had been out of development for a few years while licensed themes such as Star Wars and Harry Potter occupied the company’s mind (great ini the years a film was released, less so if it wasn’t). The closest thing to a ‘Real World’ town theme was LEGO World City. There were a smattering of fire craft, a train with station and engine shed, and an airplane done out in 13 different liveries. Nothing really felt complete, except for the police with their car, helicopter, truck and station (and some villains in a hovercraft as a separate set to boot). Had World City drifted a little too far from its roots? Were kids failing to relate to it? As the company underwent a ‘back to basics’ as part of its financial recovery, so too did World city get Revamped.
Enter LEGO City: with 25 sets released in the first year (focussing on fire, police, construction initially). Vehicles were now six studs rather than four studs wide, and a little bulkier in general. Curved elements were entering the parts palette, giving new form to established favorites – particularly roofs of vehicles. Over the next couple of years other subthemes joined the fray: rescue, ambulance; post office; flight, farm, coast guard, trains, and with time, an annual ‘action theme’ – this ran on a cycle of Polar; spaceport (or mars mission); deep sea and jungle adventure. Each subtheme would follow a formula: a base, large vehicle, small vehicle, a flying vehicle (or two), a tiny vehicle – much as we had seen in the early days of LEGO Town and Classic Space. In more recent years, you will see a refresh of fire or police on alternating years: but you will always find a fire engine and police stations on the store shelves. Kids probably have a typical span of 3-4 years playing with LEGO City, and so the range gets refreshed with remarkable frequency.
In a world of licensed themes and fantastical ninja adventures, LEGO City remains the theme that keeps minifigures grounded in the real world.
Since 2018, we have seen LEGO City move to defined storylines in the context of animated series: LEGO City Adventures and more recently, LEGO City: No Limits.
Over the last couple of years, Simon Lucas (he helped bring Ninjago and Monkie Kid to the screen and shelf) and Chris Stamp (previously of Speed Champions) have been leading the LEGO City team, and we have seen a remarkable growth in the range, bring back daily life, houses, stores, and a recurring range of characters (LEGO City: No Limits)
2025 marks the 20th anniversary of the arrival of LEGO City. While the LEGO City: The City Tower might not be advertised as a 20th Anniversary set, it is indeed a celebration of all that makes LEGO City LEGO City!
The LEGO Group is excited to introduce the latest addition to its beloved LEGO® City lineup: the LEGO City: The City Tower (60473). Designed for children aged 8 and up, this multi-feature construction toy promises hours of imaginative play, combining popular themes of trains, fire, police, space, and construction into one thrilling set.
The LEGO City Tower stands tall with three levels, featuring a vibrant metro station and neighbouring police and fire stations. Kids can immerse themselves in action-packed scenarios as they launch a spaceship from the rooftop launchpad, operate a construction crane, and perform stunts on the giant skate ramp. With seven minifigures, including a firefighter, train driver, and five characters from the LEGO City No Limits TV show, the play possibilities are endless!
With 1,941 pieces, the LEGO City: The City Tower set invites kids to unleash their creativity and embark on thrilling adventures. This playset can also be combined with other LEGO City sets (sold separately) for even more fun and excitement.
To build together and complete the LEGO City: The City Tower set as a family, download the LEGO Builder App.
The LEGO City: The City Tower set is available for purchase from the 1st June 2025 at www.LEGO.com/City and in LEGO Stores, priced at $AUD299.99/ €199.99 / £179.99 / $209.99.
I am particularly impressed with the facade of the building, as well as the total unlikelihood of all of these facilities being built on top of each other in real life! We have the fire car, police car, tram, construction site, rocket launch and even a skate ramp.
I am, of course, taken in by the explorer Spacecraft and its single pilot – now in white
What do you think of this LEGO CITY Tower? Is it one for your collection? Or one to pass by? Please leave your comments below.
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Until Next Time,
Play Well!