Overview

• 1 Undershaft, a 74-story skyscraper in London's financial district, has been approved and will match the Shard's height at 1,016 feet, making it the joint-tallest building in Western Europe outside Russia.
• The tower will include 1.7 million square feet of office space, a public viewing gallery, free-access gardens, and an education center curated by the London Museum on its upper floors.
• The project, led by Aroland Holdings, Eric Parry Architects, and Stanhope Plc, requires the demolition of the existing Aviva Tower before construction begins.
• Initially approved in 2016 at a shorter height, the project was revised to better address post-pandemic office needs and is now scheduled for completion by 2030.
• Critics have raised concerns over the building's impact on London's historic skyline, while supporters highlight its potential to boost the city's economy and cultural appeal.