London is set to welcome a new landmark skyscraper that will surpass The Shard in height, offering a 360-degree panoramic viewing gallery, public gardens, and a bar. The project, valued at £1 billion, has received full planning permission and is now moving forward with detailed plans.
One London: The New Tallest in the UK
Originally known as 1 Undershaft, the tower has been renamed One London. It will stand at 1,015.75 feet, matching the height of The Shard, and will feature 74 storeys with terraces. Designed by Eric Parry Architects, the building will replace St Helen’s Tower, located between the Cheesegrater and the Gherkin in the City of London. Aroland Holdings, the developer behind the project, secured full planning permission from the City of London Corporation in late 2025.
Key Features of One London
- Europe’s Highest Public Viewing Gallery: Located at the top of the building, offering unparalleled views of the city.
- Children’s Educational Spaces: On levels 72 and 73, operated in partnership with the London Museum.
- Highest Bar in London: Situated on level 71, providing a unique drinking experience with skyline views.
- Elevated Public Garden: Free to access on the 11th floor, with panoramic views of the London skyline.
- Public Space: 42,700 square feet on the ground floor, including 350 outdoor seats.
Construction Timeline
Construction is expected to begin in 2028 and is scheduled for completion in 2033. The official opening date has not yet been announced.
Architect Eric Parry commented: 'One London stands as an icon at the centre of a great city with a confident future in its global role and outreach. London has evolved around the Square Mile over the last two thousand years, adding layers of building and conversation. We stand at a historic moment of physical metamorphosis as the City rises in a uniquely close and tall form, at the centre of which is One London.'
This development follows the recent sale of London’s BT Tower for £275 million to hotel operator MCR, which plans to transform it into a hotel.
