Plans for the ambitious 1 Undershaft skyscraper have taken another significant step forward as the City of London Corporation granted approval for this towering addition to the London skyline. The project, spearheaded by Aroland Holdings and crafted by Eric Parry Architects, is set to become the joint-tallest building in the UK, alongside the well-known Shard. The approval, granted on Friday, points to London's continuing growth and attraction to business, even amid concerns about the real estate market.
Standing at 309.6 meters (1,015.75 feet), the 74-storey 1 Undershaft is slated to rise between two other iconic structures: The Gherkin and the Cheesegrater. This height matches The Shard, which has long held the title of the tallest building not just in London, but across Western Europe. For many city planners and investors, this new skyscraper symbolizes both confidence and ambition within the architectural ambitions of the City of London.
While construction won’t begin until the existing Aviva Tower is demolished, the design features of 1 Undershaft have already drawn both intrigue and skepticism. Debates have formed around various aspects, including the environmental impact and the substantial digital screen proposed for the base of the tower. Proposed to be 7 meters high, this screen will display everything from news to information on local events, but some critics have voiced concerns it may contribute to an “environment of surveillance” around the site, necessitating increased security measures to combat vandalism.
Beyond its impressive height, 1 Undershaft is also set to cater to the community. Planned within its structure are not just high-end offices, but also accessible public spaces. Specified is a garden on the 11th floor and educational spaces on the 72nd and 73rd floors, developed with the Museum of London. These features aim to enrich the public's experience, inviting local schoolchildren and communities to engage with the building and learn about the city from new heights.
Among the supportive voices for the project is Shravan Joshi, chair of the corporation's planning and transportation committee, who described the building as “truly remarkable.” He stressed its potential to deliver necessary office space and contribute positively to London’s cultural and tourist attractions. Joshi is particularly proud of plans to allow educational access for local children and communities to the upper levels of the tower, which he hopes will benefit education and culture.
Despite the enthusiasm from some quarters, opposition is significant. Historic England and the Tower Hamlets Council have registered their objections, worried about how the construction will affect local heritage and the city’s skyline. Concerns have also been raised by companies like London City Airport and Heathrow Airport which suggested safety issues could arise from the tower's height. Addressing safety and aesthetic concerns has led to added stipulations to the project approval.
The deal for 1 Undershaft marks the continuation of bold architectural statements within London. Structures like The Shard and others, once seen as avant-garde, have transformed how we perceive urban planning. Yet, every new development draws fresh debate about London’s identity and architectural coherence. Critics express fears about the proliferation of glass-and-metal towers, which some argue overshadow historical landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral.
Construction delays aren't unusual for such large projects, and this is no different. Initially granted permission back in 2016 but stymied for various reasons, Aroland Holdings has revised the project to suit post-pandemic office needs, including alterations to its original floor designs. Despite challenges, including the impact of remote working on office space demand, this new skyscraper seems to be pushing forward, showcasing both London's enduring appeal and the intricacies of contemporary urban development.
But with the challenges of the pandemic still echoing through the economy, the future of office spaces stands at the forefront of this development's narrative. The tower is set to encompass around 154,156 square meters of office space, expected to fulfill nearly 13% of the projected need for office space within the City of London up until 2040. Overall, it appears the developers are betting on the strength of London's market as businesses slowly regain footing amid the recovery.
1 Undershaft is only the latest addition to London's skyline, joining the ranks of illustrious structures. Yet as criticism continues to mount, and the realities of business development remain complex, time will tell how this ambitious project shapes the cultural and commercial identity of the capital. The skyscraper seems poised to make its mark if it can seamlessly blend the aspirations of modern architecture with communal harmony.
Indeed, the approval of 1 Undershaft, whether lauded or criticized, reflects significant developments not just for London’s architecture but also its economic resilience. An unmistakable statement of faith from the City of London Corporation, it captures the essence of urban evolution, promising both challenges and opportunities for the cityscape of tomorrow.