Heron Tower

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Information
Heron Tower
Location	London, United Kingdom
Status	Under Construction
Constructed	2008 - 2011
Use	Commercial
Height
Antenna/Spire	246 metres (807 ft)
Roof	202 metres (663 ft)
Floor count	47
Floor area	680,000 sq ft (63,000 m²)
Companies
Architect	KPF

Heron Tower, also referred to as 110 Bishopsgate, is a skyscraper currently under construction in the centre of London's main financial district, the City of London.

1 Planning
2 Preparation and Demolition
3 Construction
4 See also
5 External links

[edit] Planning

Its height was first planned to be 183 metres (600 ft), identical to that of the City's current tallest building, Tower 42. According to the developer Gerald Ronson, it would be the first "six star" office development in the City and would feature a concierge-style entrance and reception area. An aquarium spanning five storeys would be located in the upper floors, along with a restaurant and public viewing area.

The building attracted controversy when first announced, due to its proximity to St Paul's Cathedral when viewed from Waterloo Bridge. English Heritage were the most vocal of the groups expressing concerns. A public inquiry was subsequently held, the outcome of which was decided by the then-Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, who ruled in the developers' favour. The tower was given final approval in July 2002.

Three years later, the project had yet to begin construction. In September 2005 the Heron Property Corporation submitted a planning application to increase the height of its approved tower. Heron's revised plans, drawn up by architect KPF, now proposed a 202 metres (663 ft) tall tower topped by a 44 metres (144 ft) mast. Although the design was largely identical to the previous scheme, the tower's crown and southern façades were refined to give the building a more elegant profile.

A smaller neighbouring tower, Heron Plaza, was also unveiled that would stand around 100 metres (328 ft) tall. This would feature nearly 250,000 square feet (23,000 m²) of retail space.

In January 2006, the revised project was approved by the City of London Corporation.

[edit] Preparation and Demolition

In February 2006, a construction journal reported that Heron International were likely to award the contract for their £500 m tower within a few weeks, with Skanska favourite as contractor, the same company who built 30 St Mary Axe.

In May 2006, preparatory works began underneath the current building on site. This process involved the relaying of pipes and wires (including the diversion of a sewer) and would take around a year to complete.

In late November 2006, it was confirmed that the tower had received financing from the gulf state of Oman, was now fully funded and therefore almost certain to be built.

In June 2007, demolition officially began on site. Skanska signed the construction contract in October 2007, and at present, the tower appears to be on schedule, with construction expected to be well underway in 2008. In November 2007, demolition reached the basement.

[edit] Construction

Full Construction began in April 2008. Foundation piles are being installed all around the site, with steel rebar cages being installed. Foundation work will be completed by November, when work on the superstructure begins, and the tower starts to rise.

Other skyscrapers will be rising nearby during this time, including the Bishopsgate Tower and 122 Leadenhall Street, marking a period of dramatic change for London's skyline.