Tallest edifices in London

The English capital is currently the most visited city in the world. This is because London is home to an abundance of internationally known landmarks, monuments, parklands and entertainment venues, which are appealing to people from all over the globe. The city is home also to some of the tallest buildings not only in Great Britain but Europe and the world.

The Shard

Also, known Shard London Bridge, this edifice is the tallest building in the United Kingdom and the forth tallest in Europe. It was designed by renowned Italian architect, Renzo Piano in the neo-futurism architectural style. Construction began in 2009 and ended in 2012. The skyscraper was officially opened at the beginning of 2013. It has an architectural height of 1.016 feet and its most notable feature is an observatory, which stands at a height of 802 feet. The Shard comprises of 95 floors, 72 of which are habitable and is serviced by a total of 44 lifts. Since, its completion the edifice has become one of London’s most emblematic and distinguishable structures.

One Canada Square

One Canada SquareThis gigantic building is located in London’s business district, Canary Wharf. Until the construction of the above mentioned, Shard London Bridge, it was the tallest edifices in Britain. One Canada Square was built from 1988 to 1991, and its construction cost £624 million. Argentine-American architect, César Pelli, designed the building. It has a total of 50 floors and an architectural height of 800 feet above sea level. The edifice is recognised by the local authorities as a landmark of major significance.

Heron Tower

Officially known as 110 Bishopsgate, Heron Tower is presently the third tallest edifice in the UK. It is the tallest skyscraper in the City of London and was completed in 2011. The building is owned by Heron International and was designed by American architectural firm, Kohn Pedersen Fox. It has a height of 663 feet (755 feet with antenna spire) and comprises of 46 floors. The edifice had a hard beginning at it failed to attract tenants after its opening. Today however, it is fully let. The Heron Tower is situated in close proximity to St. Paul’s Cathedral which is another highly profile London landmark.

8 Canada Square and Citigroup Centre

Designed by Sir Norman Foster and his team of architects, 8 Canada Square was constructed from 1999 to 2002, and has an architectural height of 655 feet. It is jointly the fifth tallest skyscraper in Britain along with the nearby Citigroup Centre (completed in 2001). Both buildings are located in Canary Wharf, which is one of the two main financial districts of London. The area is extremely popular among business owners, which is why more and more businesspersons are moving their offices to the district by using professional man and van services in Canary Wharf from Trace-Elliot.

Honourable mentions:

  • 122 Leadenhall Street, 737 feet tall
  • Tower 42, 600 feet tall
  • George Wharf Tower, 594 feet tall
  • 30 St. Mary Axe, 590 feet tall
  • BT Tower, 581 feet tall