A monumental new skyscraper, set to rival the iconic height of The Shard, has been given the green light by the City of London Corporation. Named One Undershaft, the ambitious 309.6-meter (1,015.8 ft) tower will soar above the Square Mile as the tallest structure in the area, housing 74 floors of office space, a free public garden, and a London Museum education center.
A Bold New Addition to London’s Skyline
Situated between the Gherkin and the Cheesegrater, the skyscraper will take the place of the existing Aviva Tower, which is slated for demolition. Designed by Eric Parry Architects for Aroland Holdings Ltd, the project aims to redefine the heart of the City of London.
Shravan Joshi, chair of the City of London Corporation’s planning and transportation committee, called the project a “truly remarkable building” that will deliver state-of-the-art office space while enriching the city’s cultural and tourist landscape.
“I’m particularly pleased that the London Museum will be collaborating with us to provide access to the upper floors for schoolchildren and local communities,” Joshi added.
Public Spaces and Community Engagement
Among its standout features, One Undershaft will include a publicly accessible garden on the 11th floor, offering a rare green space in the midst of the bustling financial district. The plans also include a 20-meter digital screen facing St. Helen’s Square to display public information and live events, further enhancing its community appeal.
Revised designs presented this summer moved the southern façade northward and combined public entrances into an elevated lobby, preserving more of the historic St. Helen’s Square.
Heritage Concerns and Opposition
Despite the approval, the project has faced criticism from several groups, including Historic England and Tower Hamlets Council, citing concerns about the impact on nearby heritage sites such as the Tower of London.
A spokesperson for Historic England expressed disappointment, saying, “The proposed building will have a harmful impact on precious public spaces and important listed buildings, including the Tower of London World Heritage Site.”
Addressing Safety and Environmental Concerns
Both London City Airport and Heathrow Airport raised concerns over safety risks posed by the towering structure, leading to conditions being added to the approval. Objections were also filed by the Universities Superannuation Scheme and Stone Real Estate, which voiced worries about reduced light access and heightened security requirements for the digital screen.
Embracing Change in the Square Mile
Pua Seck Guan of Aroland Holdings Ltd celebrated the decision, stating, “We are delighted the plans have been approved. One Undershaft will be a landmark addition to London’s skyline.”
Eric Parry, founder of Eric Parry Architects, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the value tall buildings bring to urban spaces.
While the Twentieth Century Society lamented the loss of the Aviva Tower, they acknowledged growing concerns over preserving the heritage of the City of London amid rapid modernization.
Looking Ahead
As construction gears up, One Undershaft promises to be a transformative addition to London’s ever-evolving skyline. With its bold design, cultural amenities, and community focus, the skyscraper is set to leave an indelible mark on the Square Mile while sparking ongoing debates about the balance between innovation and heritage preservation.
Author: Jonathan Thomas
Jonathan is a consummate Anglophile who launched Anglotopia.net in 2007 to channel his passion for Britain. Londontopia is its sister publication dedicated to everything London.