Seriously though what's up with those toilets? :weird:



Very useful though, have you ever had the shits and projectile vomiting after a heavy night on the ale?

On a more serious note, could any one individual be allowed to purchase more than one of these appartments, some uber-rich arab type could potentially buy up a fair few floors...

Haven't posted for a while, but may I come out of hibernation just to say...Renzo you are a legend-and this will be a fantastic building for many years to come. Those new renders and video are mouth-watering, and the the treatment of the top of the tower is exceptional.

Just started work at a firm and we're doing a tower, trying to be as efficient as possible with the floor plate and core relationship without compromising the design-in this perspective particularly, its a real credit that this scheme is finally being realised in all its glory (touch wood) and will make the wait worth while...

Time for my first ever :banana:

DM

Apologies if this has been posted.

Nick posted this on the Wired New York forum:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2358/2904709076_0cc01b97b6_b.jpg

Is that evidence of that spiritual area that was hinted at a while back

Seriously though what's up with those toilets? :weird:

I'm thinking one has a jet/vacuum powered flushing system designed to flush even the most stubborn of turds. :dunno:

Bidet maybe?

Not up there it won't be. You can hardly hear a car on Kensington Roof Gardens, and that's only 6 floors up or something. This will be more like 30 floors up - should be extremely peaceful.I can only talk from experience here and I've been on the roof of Southwark Towers and the noise is terrible. Yes, I know this building is not as close to the station as the Shard will be, but the train tracks are still close.

The crown is amazing.I totally disagree. It was amazing. Now it looks like one whole shard of glass has been removed and all the plant and machinery is now in full view. Horrible. Although, perhaps from street level it will be less noticeable.

^^And I disagree with you. I think the top is stunning, it will have the best crown of any skyscraper in the country, possibly in Europe.

I can only talk from experience here and I've been on the roof of Southwark Towers and the noise is terrible. Yes, I know this building is not as close to the station as the Shard will be, but the train tracks are still close.

and talking from experience, in the summer people sit outside in the grounds of Southwark cathedral. In fact in sunny weather people will sit everywhere and anywhere so i really dont see what your overly dramatic negative point was.

I can only talk from experience here and I've been on the roof of Southwark Towers and the noise is terrible. Yes, I know this building is not as close to the station as the Shard will be, but the train tracks are still close.

I totally disagree. It was amazing. Now it looks like one whole shard of glass has been removed and all the plant and machinery is now in full view. Horrible. Although, perhaps from street level it will be less noticeable.

Have you got a pic of the older top so we can compare?

So i was happily walking down the street, when suddenly i was held at gunpoint and ordered to empty my pockets. The hairy and evidently unhygienic buffoon who threatened me took my pogs and tissues and asked me for one good reason not to end my life.

I said, i want to be alive to witness perhaps one of the finest buildings of our generation being completed. He was confused, but once i filled him in on the rough details of this wonderful building he was moved to tears, so he let me go. He also pledged to end his life in crime and wash regularly.

Not only is this building awesome to the max, but it actually saved my life and helped a man get a second chance in life.

:crazy2:

Not only is this building awesome to the max, but it actually saved my life and helped a man get a second chance in life.

fuck you, two of my friends died building that skyscraper!

whats happening

!?!? :O

The render in the last page is like a striptease:lol:

You just want to see more of the tower.

Bizarre!

estimate price of an apartment there? £250k-ish?

Hahah sorry I know it is wrong to laugh, hahaha sorry mate :cheers:

I totally disagree.

Good for you.:)

Yes I see now...that living space must be a double height over the living spaces...I just peaked again :) :drool: :(

I think I might begin to cry even thinking about living in that duplex.

Also why has the thread gone weird?

Hahah sorry I know it is wrong to laugh, hahaha sorry mate :cheers:

It's okay, my bad :cheers:

I can't believe it. Southwark Towers are coming down, for real! It's awesome news.

I usually come into London at London Bridge station..how far is the tower from this? I usually see some construction work and assume it's the Shard but I don't want to be hasty

It's about as close as you would want. :lol:

Well, as you leave your train, it's directly above you ;-)

:D

Floorplan for one of the upper level apartments -
http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/1789ShardOffersHighestApartmentsInLondon_pic3.jpg
http://www.skyscrapernews.com/news.php?ref=1789

My goodness; winter garden spa? Fitness room? Double height garden? Dresser? Makes my two bed look, well, like a small two bed flat. With no spa. Oh, and not overlooking central London either.

and that's only the second level - here comes the outline of the first, i think it wasn't posted here yet but is quite worth a look as well:

http://www.skyscrapernews.com/images/pics/1789ShardOffersHighestApartmentsInLondon_pic2.jpg

who wants to be a billionaire?

Whilst we commoners have utlilty rooms and larders they have 'preparation kitchens', loving it...

I want one.

who wants to be a billionaire?

http://i35.tinypic.com/f0qgbk.jpg Nah. They walk funny.

Theres even armed guards covering every angle

:lol:

To get from the kitchen to dining room you have to go all the way around???

I still want one.

Is it just me, or does that core seem really tiny? Only two elevators for passengers to get up the tower? Surely with the number of office workers, residents, hotel visitors, staff and the tourists going up to the top those elevators are too small?

I assume that the flats are relatively high up so there will only be two lifts going to these higher floors. They won't stop at the lower floors which will have their own lift banks. I'm guessing that's the reason

http://img390.imageshack.us/img390/4197/liftslw7.jpg

fuck you, two of my friends died building that skyscraper!

fuck you, two of my friends died saying two of my friends died building that skyscraper!

^^God I wish I was rich, this building gets my heart racing. Destination control for optimum efficiency on those lifts! I will be using them as soon as possible. Not with Medo though, I wouldn't put it past him to press the button to every floor.

:(

And here's me thinking I'll buy that Zenith a flat in that shiny Shard tower if I ever win £100 million on the Euromillions. What's the point if he won't even let me play with the buttons in the lift. :ohno:

Is it just me, or does that core seem really tiny? Only two elevators for passengers to get up the tower? Surely with the number of office workers, residents, hotel visitors, staff and the tourists going up to the top those elevators are too small?

Dont forget, there is a huge void area pictured in the core at that level. I imagine other lifts and stairs pass through it, but are not pictured as not relevant to the aparments and only a distraction to potential buyers

' Oh ! Idont like the look of all those lifts..the drafts might blow away my charlie!'

:(

And here's me thinking I'll buy that Zenith a flat in that shiny Shard tower if I ever win £100 million on the Euromillions. What's the point if he won't even let me play with the buttons in the lift. :ohno:

Did I say you couldn't, it was a typo, I mean't you could. *Nods*

Found this interesting pic of London Bridge Station. Not sure when it was taken.

http://i33.tinypic.com/qo7ort.jpg

Well those distcinctive town houses on the right have been completely flatterned on google maps. Curiously they are adjacent to a 'Shand street'. I first read it as 'Shard Street'!

It always surprises me how many lifts they manage to fit in. Its a wonder theres space left for anhything.

It looks awesome. How much will an average 2-storey apartment in LBT go for? At least $50 mil?? I wish I was rich!

However, dislike that at ground level, the bus station won't be sheltered...

@ London Lad pic (which I cant directly quote for some technical reason)

am tempted to submit prewar, but the ruins in the bottom right and especially what look like prefabs above make me think post 1945...surprised at the repairs along the Thames.

:. About 1950?

However, dislike that at ground level, the bus station won't be sheltered...

This is something i was bottling up for the sake of not being negative, but since its been mentioned im really not a fan of it either. I admit the current bus station is extremely dreary and dark because of the ugly roof, but at leat you dont get soaking wet waiting for the 43 to take you home.

*However*, upon checkiong that render carefully (see below), it does clearly show glass bus shelters cantilevering out above the waiting areas, so as long as theres not too much wind you're not going to get wet, basically it looks like a very similar arrangement to victoria station, which to be fair does look WAAAAAYYY better than london bridge's current state.

http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j154/rawlings_of_pre/Shard1.jpg

Conclusion: (made up whilst writing this) I think the new station will be excellent! Hooray! :cheers:

am tempted to submit prewar, but the ruins in the bottom right and especially what look like prefabs above make me think post 1945...surprised at the repairs along the Thames.

:. About 1950?
Plus that train looks like a multiple unit which probably dates it at late 50s / 60s

Plus that train looks like a multiple unit which probably dates it at late 50s / 60s

Note that the Cannon Street Station Roof still remains. According to Wikipedia the roof was removed in 1958. A date of c.1950 seems a pretty reasonable guestimate. Also, multiple unit electric trains have been running since the late 1930s on Southern Rail if memory serves me correctly.

BBC London just did a report on the Shard on BBC1... and said that the developers will press ahead with the tower, regardless of the current economic climate. This tower is going ahead!!!!

:banana::banana::banana:

Excellent. :banana:

good stuff. This is the one!

Sounds good although this being London, I think some of us will wait a little longer, until the steelwork starts rising before breaking open the champagne ;)

BBC London just did a report on the Shard on BBC1... and said that the developers will press ahead with the tower, regardless of the current economic climate. This tower is going ahead!!!!

:banana::banana::banana:

Great news!

BBC London just did a report on the Shard on BBC1... and said that the developers will press ahead with the tower, regardless of the current economic climate. This tower is going ahead!!!!

:banana::banana::banana:

Excellent. Was it a tv programme? If so When was it on?

It was a 30 second news report on BBC London News, shown about 8am. They showed part of the video from the official website.

Additionally they said it was on schedule "to be completed a few weeks before the Olympics".

It was a 30 second news report on BBC London News, shown about 8am. They showed part of the video from the official website.

Additionally they said it was on schedule "to be completed a few weeks before the Olympics".

Excellent. Im glad we have all this good news of late. Although 'to be completed a few weeks before the olympics' talk about cutting it close.

I know, much to the delight of the Shang ri la people! the wont even have time to iron the sheets!

Excellent. Im glad we have all this good news of late. Although 'to be completed a few weeks before the olympics' talk about cutting it close.
If they mean entirely completed then I daresay it will be externally complete months before then :)

Found this interesting pic of London Bridge Station. Not sure when it was taken.

http://i33.tinypic.com/qo7ort.jpg

And at Black Cat/Cat Man Do (two for teh price on one there)

I love this conjecture and investigation!

Note also that there are no 1960's blocks even u/c....a few Steam trains were still running when I was a kitten. I think my mum considered throwing me under one.

Could we get a similar view from today?

BBC London just did a report on the Shard on BBC1... and said that the developers will press ahead with the tower, regardless of the current economic climate. This tower is going ahead!!!!

:banana::banana::banana:

:banana: First Heron pops its head above the ground and now this :banana:

The various developers obviously saw how miserable we had become on the boards and decided to throw some good news to cheer us up. Great news it is indeed, still would like to see some iron work though. No bananas on screen but be sure they are leaping away on my office desk here.

PS - I didn't realise there were overland electric trains pre-war so take back my comments on the old photo (electric trains never feature in war-time movies!). I would be curious to know if the building plot (as seen on google earth) on the location of the town houses in the original pic is a recent demolishion.

^^^ I think the southern networks were the first to be electified?

Nice pic here showing just how the Shard Will fit in to teh bigger picture!
http://i33.tinypic.com/2nq9o4n.jpg

Hows the site doing? we've been splurging on renders and general excitedness, been no updates on the demo since mid-september.. :)

There are some webcams on the site that give an idea. It would be nice to see some updates from the other angles though, plus the first webcam doesn't work too well.

^^^ I think the southern networks were the first to be electified?
http://i33.tinypic.com/2nq9o4n.jpg

Yea and my parents late neighbour was responsible for the electrification of that line up to London Bridge
:rock:

It was a 30 second news report on BBC London News, shown about 8am. They showed part of the video from the official website.

Additionally they said it was on schedule "to be completed a few weeks before the Olympics".

*lets out a deep breath* This my friend is great news, and that is all I have to say on the matter.

A few weeks before the Olympics, cutting it fine. But that means this will be externally complete early in the year. Great news.

^^
I believe Cannon Street lost its overall roof in the second world war and it appears intact in the photo, so sometime in the 1930s, the inner suburban lines were electrified in the 1920s-30s

^^
I believe Cannon Street lost its overall roof in the second world war and it appears intact in the photo, so sometime in the 1930s, the inner suburban lines were electrified in the 1920s-30s

I hear what you are saying, not so sure? Those bungalow prefabs were specifically designed to be built quickly to sit on bombsites to house the homeless after the blitz. To be fair, you may be seeing a glassless canopy.

I might be wrong, but the red areas appear to be bomb sites and the blue looks to be post war temporary prefabs.

Furthermore....Local electrified lines makes sense, but London Bridge also accomodates longer rail routes...there are no signs of any steam trains at all!

http://i35.tinypic.com/2n6rn5u.jpg

hello, i'm new. here is a shot of the lbt site the other day

http://i37.tinypic.com/11ujl6o.jpg

It says in the construction thread that if construction isnt started by nov they have to reapply for planning. i take it the demo counts as construction in this instance?

^^
I believe Cannon Street lost its overall roof in the second world war and it appears intact in the photo, so sometime in the 1930s, the inner suburban lines were electrified in the 1920s-30s

Here's a pic of Cannon Street Station just prior to removal of roof in 1958:

http://images.google.ca/imgres?imgurl=http://cache.gettyimages.com/xc/3272389.jpg%3Fv%3D1%26c%3DViewImages%26k%3D2%26d%3D2C48553CC6AAB74C016C1AA10B4E1BB6A55A1E4F32AD3138&imgrefurl=http://www.jamd.com/image/g/3272389&h=478&w=594&sz=57&hl=en&start=30&um=1&usg=__ABXuYxBew0HBHaBJh7Q2FXCy6rA=&tbnid=5pI1-QjpKgDwkM:&tbnh=109&tbnw=135&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dcannon%2Bstreet%2Bstation%2Broof%26start%3D21%26ndsp%3D21%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN

We often read that the roof was dismantled during WW2 and was destroyed in storage - this may have happened with some elements, but the reality was that this elegant roof was destroyed by the same mentality of BR to destroy Euston. I would love to see the curved roof reinstated, but would those protecting sightlines of St Pauls permit this?

hello, i'm new. here is a shot of the lbt site the other day

http://i37.tinypic.com/11ujl6o.jpg

Welcome to the site! We haven't had a close up for ages, thanks.

Only twelve or so floors left. Down before christmas?:)

Excellent. Im glad we have all this good news of late. Although 'to be completed a few weeks before the olympics' talk about cutting it close.

Is this externally complete or the whole project? I just hope its externally complete that way it will look sweet from all the helicopter shots they will do flying round the city showing the venues etc... Cant wait bring on 2012!!! :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

It says in the construction thread that if construction isnt started by nov they have to reapply for planning. i take it the demo counts as construction in this instance?

:hm:

@ London Lad pic (which I cant directly quote for some technical reason)

am tempted to submit prewar, but the ruins in the bottom right and especially what look like prefabs above make me think post 1945...surprised at the repairs along the Thames.

:. About 1950?

The photo was taken on 9th July 1950 so good guess! It's from "From the Air - Britain's Railways Then and Now" Ian Allan 2001.

Is it just my compuer or have the webcams on the site shown the same image for the past week?

Hello there; not much left of this one is there.

The photo was taken on 9th July 1950 so good guess! It's from "From the Air - Britain's Railways Then and Now" Ian Allan 2001.

:cheers: As I say...I love investigating things and working on evidence.

We often read that the roof was dismantled during WW2 and was destroyed in storage - this may have happened with some elements, but the reality was that this elegant roof was destroyed by the same mentality of BR to destroy Euston. I would love to see the curved roof reinstated, but would those protecting sightlines of St Pauls permit this?

Thanks, clearly I didn't know that! Thought it a bit odd there were pre-fabs etc in the photo, but believed what I had read instead of my eyes... would be nice to see it reinstated for sure, can't see it happening unfortunately

BBC London just did a report on the Shard on BBC1... and said that the developers will press ahead with the tower, regardless of the current economic climate. This tower is going ahead!!!!

:banana::banana::banana:

I also did a google search and this little report popped up:

Renzo Piano's Shard to be built despite market meltdown
Published: 07 October 2008 15:25 Author: Rory Olcayto More by this Author Last Updated: 07 October 2008 18:25 Reader Responses

The Shard will begin on site next year despite the economic downtown, developer Sellar Property Group has said.

Chief executive Jame Sellar said building the Renzo Piano-designed 306-metre tower, part of his firm's London Bridge Quarter mixed use development on the Thames south bank, would provide a vital boost to the UK's flagging property market.

'The Shard has been designed to become a landmark building in Europe. The project represents our resolute confidence not only in the real estate market but also in the wider United Kingdom economy,' he said. 'We believe that the extraordinary combination of services that London Bridge Quarter offers along with its beautiful aesthetics are the keys to its long-term success.'

On completion the Shard will be one of the tallest buildings in Europe rising over 72 floors, with a 12-storey spire.

With on site demolition works due for completion by the end of the year and piling due to begin in 2009, the Shard is scheduled for completion in Spring 2012, in time for the London Olympics.

Here's the link: http://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/dailynews/2008/10/renzo_pianos_shard_to_be_built_despite_market_meltdown.html

:banana2:

Thanks, clearly I didn't know that! Thought it a bit odd there were pre-fabs etc in the photo, but believed what I had read instead of my eyes... would be nice to see it reinstated for sure, can't see it happening unfortunately

I am surprised its not been built over like Charing Cross.

it has a concealed office block built over it!

Perhaps thats why I didnt notice it?

Status update:



Before: 2006
http://img204.imageshack.us/img204/2859/beforeli5.jpg

After: 18 September 2008
http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/7619/aftergv2.jpg

After after: 8 October 2008
http://img404.imageshack.us/img404/8854/afterafternw8.jpg

that paris tower is gonna be taller , no?

that paris tower is gonna be taller , no?

http://skyscraperpage.com/diagrams/?searchID=39848698

^^Not being anti-Paris or anything but those are some butt-ugly proposals IMHO. Would rather the one shard than a few super-tall carbuncles.

Je suis desole, mes amis Francais!

Wow shows how much this has gone down in 20 days! About 6 weeks and it will be gone you reckon?

^^^ agree. Not keen on any of them but what is that Hermitage Towers all about - not good, glad it is not here :)

Question about basement works? What's the deal there? Are they doing what Heron are doing? Constructing the basement and errecting the tower at the same time?
Also, where can I find that animated gif of how this tower will be built?
Thanks :)

http://skyscraperpage.com/diagrams/?searchID=39848698

Cheaky Paris! What the hell is the Sparkplug?

Its that Battersea Power Station proposal

74-storey Shard of Glass 'will give view of Channel'
(http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23569597-details/74-storey+Shard+of+Glass+%27will+give+view+of+Channel%27/article.do)09.10.08

These are the commanding views residents of one of Europe's tallest new buildings will one day enjoy over London.

http://i.thisislondon.co.uk/i/pix/2008/10/shard-of-glass-view-415x275.jpg

Sellar, the developer behind the 310-metre Shard of Glass tower at London Bridge station, says that on a clear day people living in its upper floors will be able to see the Channel.

The 74-storey building, which will dwarf the Gherkin, was designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano.

He said the shape was inspired by the pinnacles of London's 16th-century churches and the sails of tall ships. The lower floors will be commercial, followed by several storeys for a five-star hotel, with flats at the top.

Each flat will be designed according to the buyer's requirements but all will boast floor-to-ceiling windows.

Some will have indoor winter gardens and a service lift for meals prepared by the hotel downstairs. Prices have not been announced.

Construction work is due to start on the Shard next year and be finished by 2012.

"Sellar, the developer behind the 310-metre Shard of Glass tower at London Bridge station, says that on a clear day people living in its upper floors will be able to see the Channel."

And conversaly I suppose, on a clear day you may be able to see the tip of the Shard from a ferry. Now that would be cool.

I dont believe that. Which part of the 'Channel'. The thames?

I dont believe that. Which part of the 'Channel'. The thames?

No,thats the north sea.He means the channel as in Dover.
It is belivable.But we'll wait and see,eh? ;)

And.i thought Tour Generali & Hermitage Towers were 300 metres tall-Thats what it says on the french forum.

You can see Snowdon from certain high points in Liverpool, and that's about the same distance as London to the English Channel. The only problem would be that the English Channel isn't 1085m above sea level.

I'm a bit suspicious, with the CN tower observation floors where i guess you're nearly at twice the height of the apartments in LBT (1300ft? compared with 750/800ft?) they say you can see 60miles away...

I'm a tad sceptical too. How far is the Channel from central London - 60 miles? Can you really see that far from 250m or so up? Do they mean with the naked eye or with a powerful telescope? :tongue2:

Here's a sample of the latest views published.

There goes London as we know it. New York II.
- Phil Jones, London UK

Not needed, not wanted! Perhaps Mr Piano can go and build sand castles in the Thames' Estuary with Boris!
- Michael, London

Talk about toxic debt - who exactly has lent money to these guys when there is a global slump on? The builders will be bankrupt within a couple of years. These towers are simply manhood extensions for inadequate architects.
- Patrick, London

I highly doubt these will be affected much by the current financial situation, there are only about ten in the building and this will be one of the most sought after addresses in London. Don't expect any prices to be announced, these apartments aren't made for us mere mortals

But there will be the viewing gallery above them that anyone and everyone will be able to visit. That'll do me... for now.
- Les Ferris, Newcastle

maybe even channel 5 at that height u should get a bit of signal at least !
- K.Elick, chester

which channel.................channel 4?
- K.Elick, chester

a great idea in the current financial climate. Put me down for 4 please
- Stuart, london

You can see Snowdon from certain high points in Liverpool, and that's about the same distance as London to the English Channel. The only problem would be that the English Channel isn't 1085m above sea level.


I climbed snowdon on the one clear day in 1986! I could see not only Liverpool but way beyond...the pennines dissapeared into the distance, Anglesey and the nose of Wales. However...thats what? 1000m?

Its that Battersea Power Station proposal

Oh cheers..its the 40 floors bit that threw me.

There goes London as we know it. New York II.
- Phil Jones, London UK

:ohno:

New York II.



Yes please!

Yes please!

Definitely :)

No,thats the north sea.He means the channel as in Dover.
It is belivable.But we'll wait and see,eh? ;)

And.i thought Tour Generali & Hermitage Towers were 300 metres tall-Thats what it says on the french forum.

I don't care really as they look awful IMO. Paris deserves better.

Yes please!

Yeah great, lets make London a second rate clone of another city.

Some people get such a stiff one for tall buildings that they lose all sense of rationale. :ohno:

Yeah great, lets make London a second rate clone of another city.

Some people get such a stiff one for tall buildings that they lose all sense of rationale. :ohno:

London will never been a clone town - it's impossible, but it will be the London we know and love with it's interesting street patterns and diverse architecture but now with a new and improved skyline - extremly exciting. :cheers:

I think they were humouring the banal newspaper reader comment. Or even ever thought of capturing an essence of a city like how New York represented the 20th Century with its economics and culture? It doesnt have to mean a visual copy.

On here we are tired of people using imagery of foreign cities to strike fear over the shape and presence of a single building in London with her immense swathes of protected buildings and conservation areas dotted about an ancient network of streets.

It is they who have lost all sense of rationale.

I climbed snowdon on the one clear day in 1986! I could see not only Liverpool but way beyond...the pennines dissapeared into the distance, Anglesey and the nose of Wales. However...thats what? 1000m?

I imagine there's a few more exhaust fumes and dirty gases between London and the Channel than Snowdon and Anglesea! Theoretically you could see the English Channel if it was 1000m above sea level, but that's just inane!

I'm not too familiar with the topography of the area either, are there hills or other towns that would block the view of the Channel? And why would you want to try and look at the Channel when there's so much to look at in London!? :nuts:

Yeah great, lets make London a second rate clone of another city.

Some people get such a stiff one for tall buildings that they lose all sense of rationale. :ohno:

I wasn't being serious.

I find it odd that whoever made that New York II comment (apart from being a bit of an idiot) seems to feel that comparing London to NY or in some way insinuating London is doing something 'New Yorkish' is a terrible thing? As though skyscrapers have been a bad thing for that city, and also that they belong ONLY in that city, ignoring the numerous cities across that world that have added tall buildings to their repertoir of fantastic accomplishments and attractions, creating icons that people recognise and admire...HK, Shanghai, NY, Chicago, Tokyo.

London will always be London, and not those other cities, but that doesn't mean it should not be willing to grow and adapt and learn from what other cities around the world have created.

I imagine there's a few more exhaust fumes and dirty gases between London and the Channel than Snowdon and Anglesea! Theoretically you could see the English Channel if it was 1000m above sea level, but that's just inane!

I'm not too familiar with the topography of the area either, are there hills or other towns that would block the view of the Channel? And why would you want to try and look at the Channel when there's so much to look at in London!? :nuts:

The North Downs (the southern syncline outcrop) are between London and the south coast. I dont know haw tall, bu certainly tall enough to cut out any possible view of the channel surely.

Simple...has anyone seen the channel from one of Londons hot balloon rides?

I was a bit skeptical about being able to see the Channel from the top.

But i just did a quick measurement on Google Earth, and the shortest point to the channel is from London Bridge to Brighton, which is a mere 46 miles. And the highest hills seem to be only around 150m (and are closer to London, which might allow enough clearance to see the coast)

I remember coming in the land at Gatwick one night, and we could see the northern coast of France until just a few hundred feet above ground, So, i suppose it actually might be possible - we shall have to wait and see :)

I think they ment channel tunnel rail link :nuts::nuts:

I was a bit skeptical about being able to see the Channel from the top.

But i just did a quick measurement on Google Earth, and the shortest point to the channel is from London Bridge to Brighton, which is a mere 46 miles. And the highest hills seem to be only around 150m (and are closer to London, which might allow enough clearance to see the coast)

I remember coming in the land at Gatwick one night, and we could see the northern coast of France until just a few hundred feet above ground, So, i suppose it actually might be possible - we shall have to wait and see :)


If one were looking towards the Brighton area from London I don't think you would be able to see the sea as the Southdowns are directly in front (looking from London) and rise about 200m in this area.

Can't believe I forgot about them South Downs, only lived in the north of them all my life... Indeed its only on a good day that I can see the Isle of Wight from near where I am and thats say 25/30miles and thats on top of Butser Hill etc with no topographic obstruction.

I'm sure from the top of the Brighton i360 you'll be able to see the Shard, and vice versa.

Here is a sight line from just off Eastbourne (avoiding the South Downs) to the top of the Shard. (http://www.megalithia.com/elect/terrain.php?Make=-1&ngr=TV620984&bht=0&ngr1=TQ330800&daod=310&dname=&dht=0&go=go) Going out to sea makes the curvature of the Earth worse.

Can't believe I forgot about them South Downs, only lived in the north of them all my life... Indeed its only on a good day that I can see the Isle of Wight from near where I am and thats say 25/30miles and thats on top of Butser Hill etc with no topographic obstruction.

Thats probably less than 25 miles as Butser Hill is just north of Clanfield or Cownplain (cant remember which one is that one) which is the furthest north you can get in Greater Portsmouth. Greater Portsmouth cant stretch 18 miles north can it? (Giving 7 miles for the solent)

Hmm, crystal palace transmitter view to the Spinnaker Tower Top.
http://www.megalithia.com/elect/mychart.php?ngr=SZ629998&ngr1=TQ339712&bht=170&dht=209

Here is a sight line from just off Eastbourne (avoiding the South Downs) to the top of the Shard. (http://www.megalithia.com/elect/terrain.php?Make=-1&ngr=TV620984&bht=0&ngr1=TQ330800&daod=310&dname=&dht=0&go=go) Going out to sea makes the curvature of the Earth worse.


So I see that a 38 miles (in the correct atmospheric conditions) the last point where the land and line of site meet at 207m ?

I know of a guy in Fife who can produce custom panoramas, I'll contact him this evening and ask if he can generate one for the Shard.

great news it's going ahead!

those flats are the reason everyone on here should start playing the lottery, as long as they throw a huge ssc party if they win (wishful thinking i know)

^^ would be great, but you will probably have to win the lottery twice!

I've had a reply from the man who does the panoramas; he's already generated a panomara from the top of the Shard and will email it to me when he's added the narrative features (probably tomorrow). But he's given me the answer - the channel is NOT visible. He says:

"To the south, the sea does not come into view until the eye is raised to
about 2000 feet. The sea then comes into view at OSGB grid bearings of
120-130 and 191.

Even if there were no Downs, from a height of 950 feet the sea disappears
below the horizon at a distance of 41 miles. The Channel is further from
London than that."

So now we know.

Some indication as to how much the apartments will go for in LBT.


Chicago Spire penthouse sold

10.10.08

Irish developer Shelbourne Developments has received a boost with the sale of the penthouse in its 150-storey Chicago Spire scheme to toy manufacturing tycoon Ty Warner.

The price paid is undisclosed, although the asking price for the 10,293 sq ft property was $40m when the development – billed as the world’s tallest residential tower – was unveiled in September 2007. Agent Savills has since secured deposit payments on a third of the 352 flats.

I reckon that duplex apartment at the Shard will go for £50 million.

I know of a guy in Fife who can produce custom panoramas, I'll contact him this evening and ask if he can generate one for the Shard.

Is that the guy that does http://www.viewfinderpanoramas.org/? Great site that is.

Anyone wanna' chip in for a gaff? I've got about a tenner to contribute!

Is that the guy that does http://www.viewfinderpanoramas.org/? Great site that is.

Yes, that's him.

Here as promised is the topographical panorama from the upper levels of the Shard. Many thanks to Jonathan de Ferranti from Viewfinder Panoramas for producing it for us. "It's quite interesting," he says, "but note that even the South Downs are hardly visible, let alone the English Channel; the North Downs get in the way." Arguably the best view is out to the west where the Berkshire Downs are visible, 61 miles away.

http://www.viewfinderpanoramas.org/panoramas/ENG/LondonBr.gif

A fairly boring photo of progress, taken today...

http://www.london-rental-properties.com/sitebuilder/images/London_Pics_202-450x600.jpg

Its certainly getting small now.

Here as promised is the topographical panorama from the upper levels of the Shard. Many thanks to Jonathan de Ferranti from Viewfinder Panoramas for producing it for us. "It's quite interesting," he says, "but note that even the South Downs are hardly visible, let alone the English Channel; the North Downs get in the way." Arguably the best view is out to the west where the Berkshire Downs are visible, 61 miles away.

http://www.viewfinderpanoramas.org/panoramas/ENG/LondonBr.gif

thanks john. fascinating stuff.

Here as promised is the topographical panorama from the upper levels of the Shard. Many thanks to Jonathan de Ferranti from Viewfinder Panoramas for producing it for us. "It's quite interesting," he says, "but note that even the South Downs are hardly visible, let alone the English Channel; the North Downs get in the way." Arguably the best view is out to the west where the Berkshire Downs are visible, 61 miles away.

http://www.viewfinderpanoramas.org/panoramas/ENG/LondonBr.gif

What an interesting panorama. Thanks for posting JohnB and thanks to Jonathan. It's incredible to think you can see Southampton from the top of this. Also Southend is visable so you could see the Sea from this.

This might be a silly question but I assume you can therefore see the top of the Shard from these far away locations, subject to having a good pair of binoculars or something?

What an interesting panorama. Thanks for posting JohnB and thanks to Jonathan. It's incredible to think you can see Southampton from the top of this. Also Southend is visable so you could see the Sea from this.

This might be a silly question but I assume you can therefore see the top of the Shard from these far away locations, subject to having a good pair of binoculars or something?

A word of warning to those not used to these panoramas. Southampton and a number of other places (e.g. Canterbury, Hitchin, Aylesbury) are on the given bearing but below the horizon, and are shown only for purposes of orientation. So sorry, but Southampton can't be seen, that's just the direction it's in. Southend, though, is visible. And yes, the reverse line of sight would be true; you could see the Shard from Southend.

Here as promised is the topographical panorama from the upper levels of the Shard. Many thanks to Jonathan de Ferranti from Viewfinder Panoramas for producing it for us. "It's quite interesting," he says, "but note that even the South Downs are hardly visible, let alone the English Channel; the North Downs get in the way." Arguably the best view is out to the west where the Berkshire Downs are visible, 61 miles away.

http://www.viewfinderpanoramas.org/panoramas/ENG/LondonBr.gif

Interesting post! Obviously the only bit of sea you can get from the Shard is the Thames Estatuary and Southend. It would have been perfect if a bit of the English Channel could be seen but this is just a marketing trick to draw more possible future buyers.

I am reading this sitting in dubai and staring out at the huge monolith that is Burg Dubai, I wonder how far we would be able to see from this if it were in London
the height of this thing is jus mind boggling

I am reading this sitting in dubai and staring out at the huge monolith that is Burg Dubai, I wonder how far we would be able to see from this if it were in London
the height of this thing is jus mind boggling

I was there a year ago and felt the same thing - it expands your thinking of what's possible. try get a pic of it :)

A word of warning to those not used to these panoramas. Southampton and a number of other places (e.g. Canterbury, Hitchin, Aylesbury) are on the given bearing but below the horizon, and are shown only for purposes of orientation. So sorry, but Southampton can't be seen, that's just the direction it's in. Southend, though, is visible. And yes, the reverse line of sight would be true; you could see the Shard from Southend.


I thought as much John. So no, you cant actually sea (other than the Thames Estuary) and even then, being in central London you are likely to be thrawted by atmospheric pollution.

A quick question? Is the panorama from 307M or from the veiwing gallery level?

its going to be strange when we finally see the first girders going in to place on this - say at the same point at Heron at the moment. Strange? why strange Chest I hear you ask - well you see for me the whole kind of ethos of the London forum is what could be, what might be, disappointment and frustration but above all hope - hope which probably drives us all to keep coming back time and time again, clicking on all the threads - but always with hope in our hearts for some final, final concrete news on this tower. When there is actual physical evidence of this rising, in my mind probably in the top 10 of world skyscrapers what then for the London forum, we'll have 'it', we'll have proper skyscrapers, we'll be a city known for skyscrapers, we will have achieved 'it'. What then for the forums - its whole foundations shifted - do you think we'll go like lottery winners who can't cope and simply go insane?

its going to be strange when we finally see the first girders going in to place on this - say at the same point at Heron at the moment. Strange? why strange Chest I hear you ask - well you see for me the whole kind of ethos of the London forum is what could be, what might be, disappointment and frustration but above all hope - hope which probably drives us all to keep coming back time and time again, clicking on all the threads - but always with hope in our hearts for some final, final concrete news on this tower. When there is actual physical evidence of this rising, in my mind probably in the top 10 of world skyscrapers what then for the London forum, we'll have 'it', we'll have proper skyscrapers, we'll be a city known for skyscrapers, we will have achieved 'it'. What then for the forums - its whole foundations shifted - do you think we'll go like lottery winners who can't cope and simply go insane?


You know what i wondered the very same thing.

What then for the forums - its whole foundations shifted - do you think we'll go like lottery winners who can't cope and simply go insane?

:lol: That's certainly my plan, yes.

initially there would pages of different pictures - angles, sunset, sunrise, at night, as a cluster - then it would die down and all attention would be on the next challenge. Like Paris Hilton buying handbags, you always look to the next one. Yes, my friends, we are scraper addicts, looking for the next big hit.

You know what i wondered the very same thing.

... a bit of a bleak view surely? What are we saying? This is the greatest architecture ever? The tallest ever in London? The latter may well be true for the foreseeable future but, height aside, there will be many other exciting developments we can't imagine today. You lot sound like jilted lovers for whom no woman can ever replace their one true love ...

... a bit of a bleak view surely? What are we saying? This is the greatest architecture ever? The tallest ever in London? The latter may well be true for the foreseeable future but, height aside, there will be many other exciting developments we can't imagine today. You lot sound like jilted lovers for whom no woman can ever replace their one true love ...

:lol: yeah true. Although its prob due to the fact that other than the Shard, there is no other 'biggie' in the pipeline ( aside from battersea) but in saying that there is still wood wharf, north quay etc so perhaps my bleak views were indeed short sighted.

But lets be honest...The Shard is the summit of ground breaking architecture and new heights in London, and one still has to pinch oneself to beleive its happening.

When you have grown up under the height restrictions of London, who would ever have thought an 87 floor tower over 1000ft would ever be in built in London :drool:

OK, here's what I really think will happen. The current polarization between us pro-tall buildings people and the antis will if anything get even stronger.

The antis' position will essentially be: "Right, London's now got its world-class supertall building; we may not like it, but at least now the skyscraper fetishists can't complain there's a lack of tall buildings in London. There's the Shard, there's the (now more impressive) City cluster, and there's the (still growing) Canary Wharf cluster. So this is where we can draw the line in the sand and say: there's no need for any more. The Shard was a step too far, but at least everyone now can see that buildings on that scale just aren't appropriate for a historic city like London; it's outrageous that the fetishists are trying to use it as an excuse to get even more skyscrapers built."

And our position will be: "Surely even the Simon Jenkinses of this world can now see the contribution tall buildings can make to the city - the Shard shows how great skycrapers can be. So they should stop living in the past and finally embrace them as part of London's urban mix. The Shard has raised the bar: we shouldn't now have to faff around with 35-storey compromises - 1000ft is now an acceptable height for buildings in London. We clearly have not just two clusters (City and CW) but many (London Bridge, Elephant, Croydon, Blackfriars, Vauxhall, Stratford, etc), so we need to abandon the sight-line obsession and allow more tall buildings wherever good proposals are made. The Shard should have moved us forward; it's outrageous that the antis are trying to use it as an excuse to make it even harder to get anything tall built."

And, as a result, London will be a place where it's relatively difficult, very expensive, and absurdly time-consuming to get anything really tall built - but where the projects that do make it are of genuinely exceptional quality. Which is exactly what we have now. And which an impartial observer, in neither of the two above camps, would probably consider a very healthy state of affairs.

^^ Nicely put Dibble.

In the very long-term, this kind of balance, debate and accountability is always a good thing, though frustrating at the time. It works both ways - for demolition too. Think if Lord Abercrombie had taken out the whole of Zone 1 ("old buildings which nobody likes") and replaced with the Festival Hall x 500 spread across the city. Blah! Total carte blanche over planning or construction is only good if the person in charge has omnipotent foresight - a crystal ball perhaps. Being human, let the balance prevail.

I thought as much John. So no, you cant actually sea (other than the Thames Estuary) and even then, being in central London you are likely to be thrawted by atmospheric pollution.

A quick question? Is the panorama from 307M or from the veiwing gallery level?

It's from 950ft, which I judged would be about the upper height of the apartments.

Of course :)

Thats a lot higher than the apartments, the whole tower is 1017ft and that includes like 12(?) radiator floors and then you have the observation floors and then dont forget the top is a spire with no accomodation- all leads to a max height of apartments I would imagine of ~800ft.

The highest floor will be at 240m/800ft.

ah good guess of mine :D - so we're looking at a highest apartment of 770ft?

But what about the highest viewing gallery?

tah Will. They get 4 the buggers.

Hello everybody, any of you guys have the detail plans or sections of The Shard?

Cos we are doing a case study on a mixed-use building for our 3rd year architecture course, and this one is brilliant. The problem is we could not find any proper plans or construction details for that. Any help will be much appreciated

please contact us here in the forum or email liovang@gmail.com

have you looked at the planning application?

When i was at uni i was bolshy enough to phone up the architecture practices, more often than not they can be very helpful in offering planning drawings, details etc etc. (seriously played up the keen but naive architecture student setereotype...)

Mace’s price for building Shard rises by about £85m

17 October 2008

By Sarah Richardson, Roxane McMeeken

Main contractor on landmark project offers guaranteed maximum price in region of £435m

The 310m-tall Shard of Glass in London Bridge is likely to blow its original £350m budget by about £85m, it is understood.

Mace, the main contractor on the project, has submitted a revised price to Teighmore, the development consortium, and is awaiting a decision from the project’s backers.

The sum put forward was not known as Building went to press on Wednesday, but sources close to the project said it was in the region of £435m.

Mace submitted a price earlier this year that was reportedly about £450m. It has since tried to lower that figure, principally by value engineering the M&E package.

The project’s backers – four Qatari banks which, together with developer Sellar Property, make up Teighmore – are expected to give a decision on the price imminently.

One project source said: “The impression we’re getting is that there’s no way it will not go ahead, but they’re just waiting for a green light on the price.”

The scheme is part of the £2bn London Bridge Quarter scheme, being project managed by Bernard Ainsworth. Cost consultant Turner & Townsend was drafted on to the project earlier this year with a remit to drive down costs.

Several of the subcontract packages on the scheme have already been let: Stent will do the piling, Cleveland Bridge the steelwork, Scheldebouw the cladding and Kone the lifts. Doyle Group is understood to be on the verge of being appointed to the project’s concrete package.

Mace agreed to carry out the project under a fixed price contract last year, after originally bidding for it as a construction management job.

Does anyone know more about the details of the LBQ programme? For 2bn there must be some substantial development of the area around the Shard - is there a website to describe it?

I'm pretty sure the shard/londonbridge website describes what they plan to do.

One project source said: “The impression we’re getting is that there’s no way it will not go ahead, but they’re just waiting for a green light on the price.”


Well, that sounds pretty good!

Good stuff!

Mace’s price for building Shard rises by about £85m

17 October 2008

By Sarah Richardson, Roxane McMeeken

Main contractor on landmark project offers guaranteed maximum price in region of £435m

The 310m-tall Shard of Glass in London Bridge is likely to blow its original £350m budget by about £85m, it is understood.

Mace, the main contractor on the project, has submitted a revised price to Teighmore, the development consortium, and is awaiting a decision from the project’s backers.

The sum put forward was not known as Building went to press on Wednesday, but sources close to the project said it was in the region of £435m.

Mace submitted a price earlier this year that was reportedly about £450m. It has since tried to lower that figure, principally by value engineering the M&E package.

so if the price has fallen since it was submitted this year it has risen how?

I'm sure they can revise this down now. The cost of raw materials has fallen sharply. Arent cost estimates usually based on an average cost based over say six months?

...principally by value engineering... .

NOOOOOOOOOOO!!!

yes but of the m+e package... this is not something that people are likely to notice.

yes but of the m+e package... this is not something that people are likely to notice.

Apologies for my ignorance but what is M+E?

Apologies for my ignorance but what is M+E?

Mechanical and electrical installations

yes but of the m+e package... this is not something that people are likely to notice.

hmm unless you're in the building!

yes but of the m+e package... this is not something that people are likely to notice.

Lets hope they dont replace those lifts with a system of pulleys, ropes and buckets!

yes but of the m+e package... this is not something that people are likely to notice.

Yes - but did you not see 'The Towering Inferno' :lol:

Pic of the demo site today. Not much progress to report unfortunately...

:ohno:

http://www.london-rental-properties.com/sitebuilder/images/Buildings_001-600x450.jpg

Some photo's from this afternoon. I couldn't see any work going on here today

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3237/2951159007_31a235ec09_o.jpg
Completey gone from the skyline here

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2348/2951159225_660537b517_o.jpg
There seems to be about 7 floors to go.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3056/2952010922_7e066d2b15_o.jpg

Does anyone know when New London Bridge house will start demolition?

Should defo be gone by December as planned then. I think someone on this thread said it would be next year when demolition on LBH would be carried out.

^^^ Thats the easy part! The foundations have got to be removed yet.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2348/2951159225_660537b517_o.jpg

The brick building on the right looks cool.

Thats part of London bridge train station, I belive its the oldest part opened in 1836.

Is it just me, or does it feel like London is being systematically 'dismantled'? We seem to have less 'City' than we did a year ago. The Square Mile can't have seen this many gap sites since the early 60s! Crossing London Bridge on Saturday, I don't think 've ever see London with a thicker forest of Cranes!
If I see cranes rising around St Pauls, I'M OFF!

Perhaps we're all going to be relocated to higher ground!
London's going to be great when it's finished!

Is it just me, or does it feel like London is being systematically 'dismantled'?

No, it's not you. It is being dismantled, destroyed and rebuilt again. It's been happening since the Romans were around. Sometimes the pace speeds up, sometimes slows down. That's London. That's one reason I love her so.

If you think there are cranes now, wait til this economic downturn is over, I imagine the biggest boom in history will be well and truly underway!

London's going to be great when it's finished!

London will never be 'finished'.

London will never be 'finished'.

He was joking.

Cities, by their very nature, are never 'finished'. What worked in one generation becomes outdated in another.

This seems to be going down quite slowly, although its lost a few floors since I last saw it. Must only be around 35m now.

London will never be 'finished'.

No no it will it's all in the plans. In 2043 when the last Starbucks goes in.

The brick building on the right looks cool.

Do you realise that just mentioning a nice old building earmarks it for demolition? I will personally hold you responsible.

lol, surely it´s protected? I didn´t even know there was an old part left of the station.

I think one big difference between London and Paris (at least the inner areas) is that Paris is pretty much a "finished" city whereas London feels more alive and constatly evolves.

I doubt it is protected because if it was EH would have kicked up a stink about the Shard 'overbearing' the railway structure. However, the arches do play an integral part of the road tunnels under the station, as well as the 'shunts' which used to hold cargo from the trains. So maybe they are protected under legislation about those.

Either way they are horrible. If they were cleaned, they would look a little more bearable.

Thanks Dirtydog, I was joking, some people are so serious. Good grief!
The day London is finished, IT REALLY IS FINISHED! May it evolve forever, may it never be finished. That was my point!
The Shard is yet another milestone in London's rich and extraordinary history. In much the same way some people fear the rise of the Shard now, people over 300 years ago were appalled at the very idea of St Pauls' having a dome.
Even 30 St Mary Axe was derided when first reported. Can you imagine London without it now.
We can look forward to London having yet another World class icon

^^ I agree, we have to push ahead. Some people dont know what's good for them until it's happened.

They showed the Shard briefly on The One Show today (nothing we haven't seen before) - Christine Bleakley (the oddly attractive Northern Irish lass) seemed very impressed by it :yes:

CNBC (Sky 505) just carried an advertising feature on The Shard, including an interview with Irvine Sellar. The shots of the building were breathtaking. The feature is sure to be shown again, possibly around the same time 11.55am tomorrow. But if you want to be sure it would be worth contacting the Channel.

They showed the Shard briefly on The One Show today (nothing we haven't seen before) - Christine Bleakley (the oddly attractive Northern Irish lass) seemed very impressed by it :yes:

Probably the first time she had seen it.

Ian Rankin then confused the Nakheel Tower for the Burj Dubai.

Christine Bleakley (the oddly attractive Northern Irish lass) seemed very impressed by it :yes:

Oddly attractive?

She's totally yummers if you ask me. (Apologies for going off topic but sometimes it's warranted ;))

^^ Agreed totally Yummers ! :D

^^ She has a bit of a weird face i think...but perhaps i'm being too picky :)

How come this was on The One Show?

has anyone got a video clip?

I just watched the One Show back on Iplayer, and there was no Shard there. I looked carefully as well. Almsot killed me because I dont like Christine or Adrian. He thinks hes funny when hes really not, and she looks so up herself when she laughs and smiles. Anyway...

It was tuesday's show, they had a section about St Paul's Cathedral and how it was contraversial at the time, then after that they showed another 'controversial' building - The Shard, and also one of the various monsters going up in Dubai.

It's really nothing to get excited about - it was only on for a matter of seconds, i only mention it because Christine Bleakley let out a "OOOOOOOH, WOW!!!....look at that, it's spectacular" comment, which i thought was pretty cool :D

Beauty and brains... what a woman!

It was Tuesdays I watched, and it wasnt on there. Nor st Pauls.

I watched it earlier on iplayer and it was Mondays show. As mentioned the bit on the shard is hardly much but the bit on st paul's was well done :)

It's really nothing to get excited about - it was only on for a matter of seconds, i only mention it because Christine Bleakley let out a "OOOOOOOH, WOW!!!....look at that, it's spectacular" comment, which i thought was pretty cool :D

She said the same to me last night bless her.

I know I know - totally childish :D

Never the less...I think it would help to tell us mor.... ;)

Not much left now
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u90/sirstan74/PA250867.jpg

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u90/sirstan74/PA250868.jpg

Doesn't seem that long ago when the first crane went up

Blimey!! Can't wait to see a clear site, will give an idea of how big the site really is.

Seems like great progress since the last photo update on 18 Oct. Does seem to have come down very quickly. Surely the last bits will be tricky given the tightness of the site and proximity to the station etc?

I don't think we'll see activity any time soon. They have to excavate the site, drill the piles and do basement works.

Does anyone know if London Bridge Station will remain open during all the works taking place?

I believe so. But Keltbray were restricting access to the southern-most platforms today, while work was going on.

Don't know if this has been posted before but I noticed on my way down to the gym this evening that a large hole has now been punched into the railway arches on St Thomas' Street near to the junction with Bermondsey Street. I believe this is for a south eastern entrance to London Bridge Station, presumably with the intention of providing an alternative approach to the station during Shard construction. Didn't have my camera unfortunately but will try and get a picture tomorrow.

Should cut a few minutes off my walk to London Bridge Station so it's all good :okay:

When will this thread become "Shard / London Bridge Tower | Southwark | 310m | 72 fl | U/C"?

Personally, I can't wait.

I also can't wait to see:

""Shard / London Bridge Tower | Southwark | 310m | 72 fl | T/O""

^^ I approve of the username.

^^ I approve of the username.

....because Pink Floyd are one of the greatest bands of all time.

Build the fuckin' Shard already. London deserves its first supertall.

When will this thread become "Shard / London Bridge Tower | Southwark | 310m | 72 fl | U/C"?

Personally, I can't wait.

I also can't wait to see:

""Shard / London Bridge Tower | Southwark | 310m | 72 fl | T/O""

It's going to be a long haul - Don't wish away your life...

Shard / London Bridge Tower | Southwark | 310m | 72 fl | T/O

humm, yes now that will be something :D

Does the scheduled completion date of September 2012 still stand (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=20409544&postcount=2937)?

Apologies if this has already been covered. My journey to work used to take me through London Bridge, but now I travel out of town instead and I want to keep abreast of what's happening.

they have a hotel to open by then but as i'm sure you know these things depend on all sorts of issues - for example all it takes is a few weeks wind and they will get behind by not being able to operate the cranes.

Before the Olympics its due to be completed.

Completed it will be, before the olympics youngling!

Then roll on 2012. I can't wait to see it.

Don't know if this has been posted before but I noticed on my way down to the gym this evening that a large hole has now been punched into the railway arches on St Thomas' Street near to the junction with Bermondsey Street. I believe this is for a south eastern entrance to London Bridge Station, presumably with the intention of providing an alternative approach to the station during Shard construction. Didn't have my camera unfortunately but will try and get a picture tomorrow.

Should cut a few minutes off my walk to London Bridge Station so it's all good :okay:

where's the picture Smogster. No excuse when you haven't started back in the hurtbox of work just yet. Get your arse out of pub.

I reckon another week and SW will be down to 1st-2nd floor and virtually extinct from this fair earth.

Walked past it last night, and from concourse level It's already at first floor level, also the big WH SMITHs has now closed.

Noticed that even the demo cranes have SHARD London Bridge on the ad boards

Do you mean the WHSmiths as you walk in opposite M&S? I did wonder why that had closed.. Makes sense.

Thats the one.

I think this bit will form part of the new bus station.

A lot of the road on the bus station has markings on it showing were it will be closed off and altered.

Would I be right in saying that the roof of the current bus sation is comming down.

Thanks for that ismail, I will have a look later on if I get a chance!

Heres some photographs taken from London Bridge station a few days ago..

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i279/switch_it_on/IMG_0096.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i279/switch_it_on/IMG_0094.jpg

..and one that went crazy, but is quite funky!

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i279/switch_it_on/IMG_0095.jpg

where's the picture Smogster. No excuse when you haven't started back in the hurtbox of work just yet. Get your arse out of pub.


What me, in the Woolpack? Surely not mate! :cheers: :cheers1: :scouserd: :D

Yes sorry I have rather been neglecting my duties, will post a photo on Monday. Suffice to say it is a whacking great hole in the arches which have been hollowed out behind to provide an access road to the station to repace the access ramp which is shortly to bite the dust as part of the Southwark Towers demolition. Sadly it will not be a pedestrian access point as I had hoped.

It looks a bit of a mess at the moment tbh, waiting to see what they actually do to neaten it up.

Just making sure this does not go off the page:)

An additional set of hoardings have appeared in the station, along with more scaffolding, on the southern side. It's difficult to get pics though as there are police watching everything.

really difficult to photograph the site.....until it goes below ground level and we can peer over the hoardings its tricky. Is the bridge to Guy's hospital still there, as that would be a corking vantage point? Must be down at ground level now?

Do the police stop you from taking pictures or something ? =\ I bet this isn't far from ground level now at all.

Some pics from Sunday....

http://www.london-rental-properties.com/sitebuilder/images/08-10_Trip_to_Oz_161-600x450.jpg

http://www.london-rental-properties.com/sitebuilder/images/08-10_Trip_to_Oz_163-450x600.jpg

http://www.london-rental-properties.com/sitebuilder/images/08-10_Trip_to_Oz_165-600x450.jpg

Looks a right mess.

thanks! not ground level then, but not far to go.

In the movie Run fatboy Run, it appears:

http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o195/lezuck/Imagen3-7.png

????

That's the City, not Southwark.

such an exciting development

Can't believe how close this is to being at ground level and how close we are to The Shard beginning construction.

Some very loud drilling noises have started coming from inside the station... on the southern side, where the new hoarding and scaffolding has appeared. Could this be a new phase in the demolition? Possibly even the start of prep work for the piling next month...? :)

Have you lot forgotten you can see what they are up to on the webcams on the londonbridge tower website.

Should be ok but still a little worried until they sign with Mace - it is taking a long time for them to except the Mace deal - I bet they are sending it back.

Have you lot forgotten you can see what they are up to on the webcams on the londonbridge tower website.

For the lazy people like me, could you be so kind to post the cam url?

luv the official website and the flyover!:banana:

http://www.shardlondonbridge.com/

Still cant believe this is happening..... wonderful building.....