UMVA has learned that a brand-new skyscraper, set to become the tallest in the UK, is being built in London and will surpass the height of The Shard by a staggering six centimetres.
The tower, now dubbed One London, will boast a panoramic viewing gallery, public gardens, and a bar, offering unparalleled views of the city. Located between the Cheesegrater and the Gherkin in the City of London, One London will replace St Helen's Tower and become an iconic landmark.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the £1billion project, backed by Aroland Holdings, received full planning permission from the City of London Corporation in late 2024. The tower's design, courtesy of Eric Parry Architects, features three stacked buildings with terraces, making it a unique addition to London's skyline.
At 1,106 feet tall, One London will be home to Europe's highest publicly accessible viewing gallery, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the city. The tower will also feature children's educational spaces, office spaces, the highest bar in London, and a free-to-access elevated public garden on the 11th floor.
The building will add 42,700 square feet of public space on the ground floor, complete with 350 outdoor seats. Construction on the tower is expected to begin in 2028, with completion scheduled for 2033. The opening date has not yet been confirmed, but anticipation is already building.
Architect Eric Parry described One London as an icon at the centre of a great city with a confident future. He envisions the tower as a symbol of London's evolution, standing tall amidst the city's historical twists and turns.
The news comes as London's famous BT Tower is set to undergo a major transformation into a hotel. One London is poised to become a defining feature of London's landscape, and UMVA has gathered that it will be an unmissable destination for years to come.
