The Shard will no longer hold the title of the tallest building in the UK after planning permission was granted for a new skyscraper in the heart of the City of London. When completed, 1 Undershaft will reach a height of 309.6 metres, matching the Shard’s height to the centimetre, the maximum allowed due to civil aviation regulations.
Designed by Eric Parry Architects, 1 Undershaft will not only rival the Shard in height but also aims to surpass it by offering Europe’s highest publicly accessible viewing gallery. The building will feature a variety of unique offerings, including a public garden on the 11th floor and an educational space curated by the London Museum. At the top, a “classroom in the sky” will provide visitors with a fascinating opportunity to learn about London’s history and development.
The developers have also created an innovative public space at street level. A 12.5-metre by 7-metre screen will be installed on St Helen’s Square, where productions, concerts, talks, and sporting fixtures will be streamed to the public. This new addition to London’s skyline is expected to contribute significantly to the City’s vibrant atmosphere.
Once completed in the early 2030s, 1 Undershaft will provide nearly 13% of the office space needed in the City of London up to 2040, meeting the growing demand for commercial properties in one of the world’s most important financial districts. The building will occupy the site formerly home to Aviva’s headquarters, adding to the area’s already impressive array of modern architecture.
In response to the approval, Shravan Joshi, Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee, highlighted the confidence global investors have in London’s real estate market. “As another much-needed office development gets approved, it speaks to the continued strength of the UK economy and the City’s role as a global financial hub,” he said.
Stanhope, the company behind major projects such as Tate Modern, has been appointed as the development manager for 1 Undershaft. They will work on behalf of Aroland Holdings, the British Virgin Islands-registered company that owns the project. The beneficial owner of Aroland Holdings is Kuok Khoon Hong, co-founder of Singapore’s Wilmar International, one of the largest oil palm plantation owners globally.
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The approval of 1 Undershaft has generated significant excitement in the architectural community. Eric Parry Architects have designed the building to blend seamlessly into the City’s iconic skyline while offering features that will benefit the public and enhance London’s cultural offerings. Its innovative design and public spaces are expected to make it a landmark not just for office workers, but for tourists and Londoners alike.
Although the Shard will share its title of the tallest building in the UK, it is unlikely to be overshadowed by the new addition. Both skyscrapers will stand as monumental achievements in architecture, each with its own unique design and purpose. For the City of London, 1 Undershaft marks another step towards ensuring that the capital remains at the forefront of global innovation and investment.
As construction on 1 Undershaft continues, it is clear that the project will help shape the future of London’s skyline, providing a modern and accessible space that will serve both business and the public for generations to come. With the backing of major developers and investors, the project is set to become one of the most important urban developments in the UK, symbolising London’s resilience and growth in the face of changing global dynamics.
