Height: 310m Floors: 72 + 15 radiator levels Architect: Renzo Piano Developer: Sellar Property Group

Links: Official website Renzo Piano Building Workshop SkyscraperNews.com… listing Station redevelopment SSC thread Construction timetable displayed on the current site

Notes: - Irvine Sellar's landmark tower, dubbed the "Shard of Glass" by the media, will be the first building in the UK to break the 1000ft barrier. It will be nearly twice the height of SwissRe, and could become the tallest building in Western Europe.

- London's first truly "mixed use" tower, the floors will be divided as follows: http://www.willfox.com/images/skysc…

- At the lower levels, the skyscraper will extend the existing public concourse and open up routes connecting Guy's Hospital, King's College and the southern residential areas to the business communities stretching along the river.

- 30% less energy will be required than for a conventional tall building through the extensive use of the latest conservation and recycling techniques and materials. A ventilated double skin façade will considerably reduce heat gain and increase comfort close to the facade. Excess heat from the offices will be used to heat the hotel and apartments and any additional excess heat will be dissipated naturally through a 16-storey radiator at the top of the tower. Winter gardens with operable louvre windows will be located on each floor allowing the occupants to connect with the outside world.

- Following the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the tower was structurally redesigned to improve stability and reduce evacuation times.

- The total cost of the project is in excess of £1.2bn and includes major refurbishment of London Bridge tube and bus stations, along with other local transport improvements.

- Following objections from English Heritage, and a lengthy public inquiry, London Bridge Tower was given final approval by the Deputy Prime Minister, John Prescott, on 19th November 2003. The tower has since gained tenants - Shangri-La Hotels, who will be occupying floors 34-52 - and Transport for London who will take a large chunk of the office space.

Current Status: Under construction! The tower is scheduled to be topped-out by the end of 2010, and is due to open in 2012 - a few weeks before the Olympic Games.

(Rated by 1 Council Member)