Architects behind a £400 million project in the City of London have revealed a new design for one of the city’s tallest proposed skyscrapers. One Undershaft, standing at 1,016 feet, would rival The Shard in height. However, the development has faced delays and comes with a hefty price tag. The 74-storey building will feature a viewing area at the top and outdoor spaces for public use. The new design includes wider top storeys to give the building a more cohesive and tapered appearance, as well as larger windows on the upper viewing platforms. Historic England raised concerns about the initial design, stating that it would be a missed opportunity to create a standout building that respects the city’s history and enhances public spaces. The redesign also includes improvements such as increased daylight at ground level, more space for the public, and an urban green area. Additionally, the building will house an education center on floors 72 and 73 in partnership with the Museum of London.
ARCHITECTS REVEAL NEW DESIGN FOR LONDON’S TALLEST SKYSCRAPER
The architects behind London’s tallest skyscraper, Eric Parry, have unveiled a new design for the iconic building. The changes were prompted by the shift in working habits following the pandemic, with Parry noting that “the ways that we use buildings have evolved significantly.”
The updated plans include the addition of new flexible workspaces and expanded civic and business functions. The upper floors of the building will be dedicated to educational and public access, thanks to a collaboration with the Museum of London. This collaboration will also contribute to the building’s sustainability and urban greening.
If the plans are approved, construction could begin as early as this year, with a projected completion date of 2029. However, this timeline is behind the original schedule, as One Undershaft was initially intended to be built by the mid-2020s.
Once completed, the skyscraper will tower above its neighboring landmarks, including The Gherkin (591 feet) and the Leadenhall building (738 feet). The new design aims to not only make a statement on London’s skyline but also adapt to the changing needs of the city’s workforce.
