The tallest building in UK doubles as a popular tourist attraction, providing breathtaking views of London from its 72nd-floor viewing gallery.
Additionally, it houses multiple restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Aqua Shard located on the 31st floor.
The Tallest Building in UK: The Shard
The Shard, situated in Southwark, London, holds the title of the UK’s tallest building.
Standing at a height of 309.6 meters (1,016 ft) with 95 stories, it reigns as Western Europe’s tallest skyscraper.
Renzo Piano, an Italian architect, designed The Shard, and its construction was finalized in 2012.
Within its towering structure, The Shard accommodates offices, apartments, restaurants, a viewing gallery, and a hotel.
As a popular tourist attraction, it treats visitors to magnificent vistas of London from its 72nd-floor viewing gallery.
Furthermore, it houses several restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Aqua Shard, perched on the 31st floor.
Are Skyscrapers increasing in the UK?
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In recent years, the UK has witnessed a substantial surge in the construction of tall buildings, despite its relatively short history in the realm of skyscrapers.
A significant part of this growth stems from the nation’s robust economy and its burgeoning population.
London and Manchester predominantly host the tallest skyscrapers in the UK, though other cities like Birmingham, Leeds, and Liverpool also have their fair share of towering structures.
The erection of tall buildings in the UK has sparked controversy, with some individuals contending that they mar the aesthetic and historical integrity of the country’s cities.
Conversely, proponents argue that tall buildings represent an essential component of modern urban development, offering significant economic and social advantages.
Top 5 tallest buildings in the UK
- The Shard (309.6 m)
- Twentytwo (278.2 m)
- One Canada Square (235 m)
- Landmark Pinnacle (233.2 m)
- Heron Tower (230 m)
Who owns the tallest building in UK?
Sellar Property Group, founded in 1974, is a UK-based property development company.
Notably, the company has been behind several significant projects in London, including The Gherkin, The Leadenhall Building, and The Shard.
The State of Qatar, situated in Western Asia, holds the status of a sovereign Arab state.
It stands as one of the world’s wealthiest nations, with a substantial focus on substantial investments in real estate and various other assets across the globe.
Sellar Property, acting on behalf of LBQ Ltd, a consortium of Qatari investors, oversaw the development of The Shard.
This project was completed in 2012, subsequently giving The Shard the iconic status as one of London’s most renowned landmarks.
What was the construction cost of The Shard? Tallest building in UK
Building The Shard incurred an approximate cost of £435 million, equivalent to roughly $760 million in USD.
It’s important to note that this figure excludes expenses related to land acquisition, design fees, and other associated costs.
The construction of The Shard presented a multitude of complexities and challenges due to its towering height, specific location, and distinctive design.
The foundation of the building comprises 178 piles, extending a remarkable 30 meters below ground level.
Notably, The Shard’s steel frame boasts a weight exceeding 11,000 tonnes, and its striking glass facade consists of an impressive 11,000-plus panels.
Funding of The Shard
A consortium of investors, which included the State of Qatar and Sellar Property Group, provided the funding for The Shard.
The project reached completion in 2012, and it has since established itself as one of London’s most iconic buildings.
