London Building Second-Tallest Building in Western Europe

Brexit crisis be damned: London is forging ahead with plans to complete Europe’s second-tallest building.

The 73-story Trellis skyscraper passed approvals. The tower at 1 Undershaft in the city’s financial district will be shorter only than the Shard in Western Europe. The new building will include a free public viewing gallery to enjoy the city from new heights.

Architect Eric Parry designed the building, and it’s the project of Singaporean developers Aroland Holdings. It will also house what it claims will be “London’s highest restaurant.”

The skyscraper will be constructed on the site of the Aviva Tower, set to be demolished. The new building will be complete sometime in the 2020s; the long-range time frame is due to the presence of current tenants in the building.

The Museum of London is in talks with developers to possibly install an exhibition at the top of the building that will house interactive learning spaces for schools and educational groups.

The building won approval by the city’s planning and transport committee, which said the vote was a sign Brexit had not extinguished development interests in the city.

“This development shows the high levels of investor confidence in London’s status as a global city following our decision to leave the European Union,” said Chris Hayward, chairman. “I believe this building will play an important part in increasing London’s attraction as the world’s leading financial center.”