EPUK visits the Shard - January 2010

Excerpt taken from EPUK’s Environment Breifing January 2010
Environmental Protection UK’s November Council meeting took place at the Shard development at London Bridge in Southwark, where construction of the 75 metre deep foundations, is now complete on this nearly 310 metre tall “Vertical Village” which will be Europe’s tallest building. Members received a warm welcome from Councillor Linda Manchester and Alan Blissett from Southwark Council.

The building, designed by Renzo Piano, is to be completed in May 2012 in time for the London Olympics and will form part of the redevelopment of the London Bridge area including Thameslink 2000 Upgrades and Network Rail’s Masterplan. The development will be multi use comprising commercial floorspace, residential, retail and leisure accommodation, a 7 Star Shangri-La Hotel and mid and high level viewing platforms.

Council received an excellent joint presentation by developers Mace, and the development’s environmental management and monitoring consultants, Temple. Particular emphasis has been placed on the demolition/enabling works, the construction process and methodology, and on sensitive receptors such as the adjacent Guy’s Hospital, on London Bridge Mainline Station and all other nearby occupiers. Alan Blissett on behalf of Southwark Council explained how flexible night working is being managed and Section 61 applications and consents under the Control of Pollution Act 1974 phased in. High quality, duty of environmental care has been implemented for the benefit of all stakeholders and great care taken in communication.

Southwark Council is to be praised for the way this development is proceeding amongst many other current parallel developments where the current scenario is the consequence of the Council using a visionary approach to the future of its Borough. In thanking those inviting Council, Neil Turner, Chair of Council expressed a consensus interest from Council to return later in the development stage.

More information is available on www.macegroup.com/projects/project-library/shard-londonbridge