London to get giant skyscraper
PLANS to build a 73-storey skyscraper that would be the tallest in the City of London financial district had been approved by the local authority, which said the project was a vote of confidence in London after the Brexit vote.
Long a destination of choice for foreign investors drawn to its lucrative real estate sector, London is experiencing a boom in the construction of tall buildings – a trend that upsets some residents but has been encouraged by local authorities.
Officially called 1 Undershaft, the new tower will rise almost 305 metres above sea level, making it the secondtallest building in western Europe after The Shard, which is also located in London, just across the River Thames from the City.
“This development shows the high levels of investor confidence in London’s status as a global city following our decision to leave the EU,” said Chris Hayward, the chairman of the City of London Corporation’s planning committee.
Some opponents of Brexit have warned of a potential downturn in London’s financial services industry if some international firms move jobs and activities to other European centres to maintain the benefits of operating within the EU.
The skyscraper will provide 130 000 square metres of office space, enough to accommodate 10 000 workers.
The design is by Eric Parry Architects, a London-based studio that has worked on several high-profile projects, including the modernisation of the historic St-Martin-in-theFields church just off Trafalgar Square in central London.
The developer is Singapore-based Aroland, which said it was developing tall buildings in capital cities around the world. – Reuters