The City of London Corporation has given the thumbs-up to a towering addition to London's skyline: One Undershaft. It'll stand tall at a jaw-dropping 306.6 metres, just a hair shorter than The Shard's 309.6 metres.
The journey to approve One Undershaft has been a classic case of "back to the drawing board"—several times over. It was conceived eight years ago but has gone through so many iterations that it has taken this long just to get the go-ahead.
So, what's different this time around? For starters, the top two storeys of the skyscraper have been widened, giving the tower a sleeker, more tapered look. The redesign also includes an urban green area, more daylight at ground level, and enhanced public spaces.
And speaking of the public, they're in for a treat. Floors 72 and 73 will feature an education centre in partnership with the Museum of London. Visitors can also enjoy a public viewing area and a lush public garden on the 11th floor.
Once it is finished, One Undershaft will take its place among London's most iconic structures in the Square Mile, rubbing shoulders with the Gherkin (currently undergoing its own glam makeover) and the Leadenhall Building.
If all goes according to schedule, construction on One Undershaft could kick off this year, with completion expected by 2029.