If the Shard is becoming complacent in its status as London’s tallest building, a new generation of giants is about to snap at its heels.
The City of London last month approved a skyscraper as tall as the Shard, currently known as 1 Undershaft, which will be 309.6 metres tall and will put the nearby 180 metre-high Gherkin in the shade when it opens.
The 74-storey tower will become the highest skyscraper in the City and work on it is expected to be completed for 2030.
Concerns were expressed about how the building would “rob” office workers of vital outdoor space before the corporation gave the green light on plans. However, its sky garden will replace the St Helen’s Square area where City office workers congregate at lunchtime.
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Shravan Joshi, chairman of the City of London Corporation’s planning and transportation committee, said: “1 Undershaft is a truly remarkable building that will not only help to deliver on the demands for economic growth, through the high-quality office space it offers, but also contribute to the City’s growing cultural offer and tourist appeal.
“As another, much needed office development gets approved in the City of London, it speaks to the confidence that global investors have in the London real estate market and the UK economy more widely.”
Consent from the City of London Corporation came almost a decade after plans for the site first emerged and five years after the first application was submitted.
London’s top 10 highest structures
1. The Shard (completed 2012) — 87 floors and 310m high
The gargantuan site at London Bridge also has the distinction of being the tallest building in the UK and is a mix of office, commercial and retail space.
2. 22 Bishopsgate (2019) — 62 floors and 278m high
When #55 is constructed, this office block will lose its title as the tallest in the City of London and even the tallest on its street.
Canary Wharf makes up much of the top 10
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3. One Canada Square (1991) – 50 floors and 235m high
Canary Wharf’s signature office block had the title of London’s tallest building for 21 years.
4. Landmark Pinnacle (2020) – 75 floors and 233m high
The highest-ranking residential building on this list is also at Canary Wharf.
5. Heron Tower (2011) – 46 floors and 230m high
Another entry in the City of London, the tower is 202 metres at roof height but gets into the top 10 thanks to its 28-metre mast.
6. 122 Leadenhall Street (2014) – 46 floors and 225m high
The Cheesegrater, as it is known, is another office block in the City of London.
7. Newfoundland (2019) – 60 floors and 220m high
Another Canary Wharf tower, this one is a residential offering that borders the Isle of Dogs.
Crystal Palace transmitter – the OG highest structure
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8. Crystal Palace Transmitter (1950) – 220m high
For a long time, the highest structure in London, the Crystal Palace landmark remains the most important transmitter in the UK in terms of population covered.
9. South Quay Plaza 1 (2020) – 68 floors and 215m high
To the immediate south of Canary Wharf’s financial district, the building is part of a network that will be completed in 2028.
10. One Park Drive (2021) – 57 floors and 205m high
The flat block in Canary Wharf contains 484 private residences and construction began in 2016.