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74-storey Shard of Glass 'will give view of Channel'
09.10.08
These are the commanding views residents of one of Europe's tallest new buildings will one day enjoy over London.
Sellar, the developer behind the 310-metre Shard of Glass tower at London Bridge station, says that on a clear day people living in its upper floors will be able to see the Channel.
The 74-storey building, which will dwarf the Gherkin, was designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano.
He said the shape was inspired by the pinnacles of London's 16th-century churches and the sails of tall ships. The lower floors will be commercial, followed by several storeys for a five-star hotel, with flats at the top.
Each flat will be designed according to the buyer's requirements but all will boast floor-to-ceiling windows.
Some will have indoor winter gardens and a service lift for meals prepared by the hotel downstairs. Prices have not been announced.
Construction work is due to start on the Shard next year and be finished by 2012.
Reader views (10)
The ignorance of some peoples comments!!! Dominic, every major city in the world has iconic tall buildings. If you don't like this building, then go to a different part of London.
Michael, remember that you are speaking for yourself and not everyone when you say "not wanted". I think there is always a need for world class architecture, and as the Gherkin has shown, there is also a want.
- Joseph, Leeds
Wow - wish I could afford the flats! I have to say I'm really pleased this is going up - London Bridge station and its immediate surroundings were in need of a make-over. Let's keep the tall new buildings on the South Bank & in the Docklands...
- Patrick Johnston, London
I think this will be a great achievement for London with such an enormous, elegant and majestic structure of glass. Office space is becoming very limited in our City, therefore drastic measures need to be taken.
- Dominic Underwood, Surrey
There goes London as we know it. New York II.
- Phil Jones, London UK
Not needed, not wanted! Perhaps Mr Piano can go and build sand castles in the Thames' Estuary with Boris!
- Michael, London
Talk about toxic debt - who exactly has lent money to these guys when there is a global slump on? The builders will be bankrupt within a couple of years. These towers are simply manhood extensions for inadequate architects.
- Patrick, London
I highly doubt these will be affected much by the current financial situation, there are only about ten in the building and this will be one of the most sought after addresses in London. Don't expect any prices to be announced, these apartments aren't made for us mere mortals 
But there will be the viewing gallery above them that anyone and everyone will be able to visit. That'll do me... for now.
- Les Ferris, Newcastle
maybe even channel 5 at that height u should get a bit of signal at least !
- K.Elick, chester
which channel.................channel 4?
- K.Elick, chester
a great idea in the current financial climate. Put me down for 4 please
- Stuart, london
