History
The history of the Shard is dates back to the year 2000. As you will soon find out, it is a troubled history filled with financial issues, condemnation from heritage bodies and even intervention from the government. The History of the Shard begins in the year 2000, in a restaurant in Berlin.
Year- 2000
The first concept of the Shard is created by Renzo Piano in a Berlin restaurant. Renzo was meeting with developer Irvine Sellar, who wanted to redevelop Southwark Towers (see below). During the meeting, Renzo sketched the first initial design of the shard on the back of a menue.
The first concept of the Shard is created by Renzo Piano in a Berlin restaurant. Renzo was meeting with developer Irvine Sellar, who wanted to redevelop Southwark Towers (see below). During the meeting, Renzo sketched the first initial design of the shard on the back of a menue.
Click here to view Renzo Piano's other work.
Year- 2002
The design of the Shard is finalised as a mix use, 310 meter tower. Southwark borough council grants planning permission with a completion date scheduled for late 2005.
The design of the Shard is finalised as a mix use, 310 meter tower. Southwark borough council grants planning permission with a completion date scheduled for late 2005.
Cabe and English heritage oppose the project, claiming the tower will disrupt views of other London landmarks, such as St Pauls Cathedral and the Palace of Westminster. English heritage once stated that it would 'tear through historic London like a shard of glass', ironically coining the now famouse nickname.
Deputy Prime minister John Prescott orders a planning inquiry in response to these concerns
Year-2003
The planning inquiry into the development of the Shard takes place between April and May. It isn't untill November that Office of the deputy prime minister annouces that they had approved construction. The backing of the government is finalised in the release of letter which states:
Mr Prescott would only approve skyscrapers of exceptional design. For a building of this size to be acceptable, the quality of its design is critical. He [Mr Prescott] is satisfied that the proposed tower is of the highest architectural quality."
Year- 2005
The Shard secures its first major prelet (tennant), luxury hotel chain Shangri- La hotels. They will occupy close to 20 floors in the building. The luxurious Kuala Lumpur chain of this hotel can be seen below.
The planning inquiry into the development of the Shard takes place between April and May. It isn't untill November that Office of the deputy prime minister annouces that they had approved construction. The backing of the government is finalised in the release of letter which states:
Mr Prescott would only approve skyscrapers of exceptional design. For a building of this size to be acceptable, the quality of its design is critical. He [Mr Prescott] is satisfied that the proposed tower is of the highest architectural quality."
Year- 2005
The Shard secures its first major prelet (tennant), luxury hotel chain Shangri- La hotels. They will occupy close to 20 floors in the building. The luxurious Kuala Lumpur chain of this hotel can be seen below.
By the end of 2005, relations between the main developers (Sellar, Halabi and CLS holdings) have deterirated over the allocation of stakes in the scheme. This slows down progress in securing tenants.
Year- 2007
The Project is put in further jepordy due to turbulance in the financial markets, however construction lookes set to continue as in November talks comence with Mace to construct the Shard for £350 million. This figure rises by £85 million in under a year.
Preperation for the demolision of Southwark towers (see image below) to make way for the Shard begins.
Year- 2007
The Project is put in further jepordy due to turbulance in the financial markets, however construction lookes set to continue as in November talks comence with Mace to construct the Shard for £350 million. This figure rises by £85 million in under a year.
Preperation for the demolision of Southwark towers (see image below) to make way for the Shard begins.
Photo source- Gary kindsman on flickr
Year- 2008
The Standoff between the developers is put to an end when, in January, Halabi and CLS Holdings are bought out by a Quatari consortium. The new developers promise to provide finance to ensure construction can go ahead.
Demolition of Southwark towers continues throughout the year. Southwark towers become the tallest buildings in London to ever be demolished.
Year- 2008
The Standoff between the developers is put to an end when, in January, Halabi and CLS Holdings are bought out by a Quatari consortium. The new developers promise to provide finance to ensure construction can go ahead.
Demolition of Southwark towers continues throughout the year. Southwark towers become the tallest buildings in London to ever be demolished.
Photo source- elskapel on flickr
Year- 2009
Febuary- Demolition of Southwark towers is complete and preperation works for the contruction of the Shard begins.
Year- 2009
Febuary- Demolition of Southwark towers is complete and preperation works for the contruction of the Shard begins.
Photo souce- secretlondon123 on flickr
In the same month, the construction contract is signed with Mace, allowing contruction to start immediatly. Basement works and piling begin in March and continue for several months.
October- The first steel works are visable and concrete pouring begins.
Year- 2010
January- The Core becomes visable at ground level and steel work continues at a rapid pace.
January- The Core becomes visable at ground level and steel work continues at a rapid pace.
May- The core has reached a height of 80m and is clearly visable on the London skyline.
June- Cladding of the main structure begins
Photo source- Failing_angel on flickr
The Shard becomes the tallest building in London and the UK on the 23rd of November. It overtakes 1 Canada square in Canary wharf, which is 235 meters high.
The Shard becomes the tallest building in London and the UK on the 23rd of November. It overtakes 1 Canada square in Canary wharf, which is 235 meters high.
Year- 2012
The spire is constructed through April and March allowing the building to reach its full height. The cladding process is complete and building is externally finished.
The spire is constructed through April and March allowing the building to reach its full height. The cladding process is complete and building is externally finished.
