The architectural skyline of London continues to evolve as the City of London Corporation has granted approval for One Undershaft, the tallest skyscraper within the Square Mile. Standing at 310 meters (1,015 feet), this ambitious project will match the Shard's towering presence and is expected to redefine not just the cityscape but also how Londoners experience their urban environment.
Plans for this impressive 74-storey structure were outlined after nearly ten years of discussion and planning, culminating with the City of London Corporation’s recent decision. One key aspect of the project is its dual function: it promises to deliver much-needed office space and also offers public amenities, including educational facilities operated in partnership with the London Museum.
Shravan Joshi, the chair of the corporation's planning and transportation committee, expressed excitement following the vote, stating, “One Undershaft is a truly remarkable building. It will not only help to deliver on the demands for economic growth, through the high-quality office space it offers but will also contribute to the City’s growing cultural offer and tourist appeal.”
Aroland Holdings Ltd., the developers behind the project, have dynamized the plans based on community feedback, ensuring they cater to both commercial and public interests. This includes the introduction of over 154,156 square meters of Grade A office space, as well as free public spaces and gardens aimed at enhancing community engagement.
Situated strategically between the Gherkin and the Cheesegrater, One Undershaft will be accessible via its significant podium garden, set to rise 42 meters above street level, featuring 2,500 square meters of landscaped space for visitors to enjoy. The developers are also planning for educational facilities located on the upper floors, which will be beneficial for local students and community members eager to learn and explore.
While many have lauded the project as progressive and beneficial for London's economic recovery, not all voices have been supportive. Concerns have been vocalized by Historic England, Tower Hamlets Council, and various local organizations. They fear the construction of One Undershaft could lead to negative impacts on the surrounding historic areas, particularly the immediate vicinity of the Tower of London, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
"We are disappointed this scheme has been approved because the people of London deserve something distinctly different," voiced a spokesperson for Historic England, emphasizing worries about the encroachment on historical public spaces.
The response to the tower plan underscored the delicate balance required when implementing major developments within urban settings and their historical contexts. Safety has also proved to be a sticking point, with London City Airport and Heathrow Airport raising flags about potential risks linked to the tower's height and visual presence. Further discussions have led to the imposition of conditions to address these concerns.
The tower, officially termed One Undershaft, has not only sparked debates around heritage and security but has also ignited discussions around public amenities. With plans for the public garden, Joshi highlighted the intention to create “a classroom in the sky” on the higher floors. This initiative aims to create educational outreach opportunities for local schoolchildren, connecting them directly with London's rich culture.
Leading the project design is Eric Parry Architects, with Eric Parry himself affirming the potential value of such tall structures: "Tall buildings can generate huge amounts of value in our cities." These sentiments reflect the overarching ambition of the City of London to keep pace with global advancements and to remain at the forefront of urban innovation.
The construction will begin after the existing Aviva Tower on the site is demolished, with work already underway on this front. The anticipated completion of One Undershaft is expected by the early 2030s. This timeline suggests not only long-term investment but also the architects' and developers' foresight to adapt to London’s rapidly changing economy demanding increased office space.
Despite substantial backing from stakeholders within London’s property development sector, apprehensions about privacy and surveillance loom over the project. Critics, such as representatives from the Universities Superannuation Scheme, have expressed fears of heightened CCTV surveillance due to the tower's size and proposed digital screen facing St. Helen’s Square, potentially creating what they deemed "an environment of surveillance."
To these concerns, Joshi maintained his optimism about the skyscraper’s contributions to economic rejuvenation and cultural enrichment.
“It's another much-needed office development approved within the City of London,” he said, underpinning the overarching narrative of growth and opportunity amid the challenges of modern urban living.
With approval now secured, attention will shift to the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, along with Angela Rayner, the Housing Secretary, as they will have the final say on the project’s progress. This approval process underlines the complexity of urban development, weaving together threads of economics, environmental planning, cultural heritage, and community engagement.
One Undershaft holds the promise of transforming how both Londoners and visitors perceive and interact with the city's vibrant centre. With its ambitious design and commitment to public access, it aims to establish itself as not just a landmark but also as part of the fabric of London life.