Dec 09

5 things you need to know about the City’s tallest skyscraper

Heard about the Undershaft?

The tallest skyscraper for the City of London just got the green light yesterday.

Singapore-based developer Aroland Holdings was given planning permission yesterday by the City of London Corporation’s planning and transport committee, which voted in favour by 19 votes to two.

Chris Hayward, chairman of the City of London’s committee, said: “Over the next 30 years I expect that we will need to deliver office space for more than 50,000 extra workers within the Square Mile, and this development is important in reaching that end goal.

“I believe this building will play an important part in increasing London’s attraction as the world’s leading financial centre.”
Here are five things you need to know about the tower:

1. The 72-storey building is situated at 1 Undershaft, known as the Trellis.

2. At 304.94 metres tall once built, it will be the second tallest building in Western Europe after the Shard.

3. The existing Aviva tower will be demolished to construct the new building

4. The skyscraper will boast a free public viewing gallery at the top which will be the UK’s highest.

5. Aroland Holdings is working with the Museum of London for an exhibition space at the top of the tower.