The City of London is set to welcome a remarkable addition to its skyline with the development of 1 Undershaft. Designed by Eric Parry Architects, the building will become one of the UK's tallest skyscrapers and represents a new generation of commercial developments that place equal emphasis on business, sustainability and public accessibility.
Unlike many traditional office towers, 1 Undershaft has been designed as a civic destination as well as a workplace. From publicly accessible gardens to Europe's highest free viewing gallery, the development aims to create lasting value for workers, visitors and the wider City.
Situated in the heart of London's financial district, 1 Undershaft will provide approximately 154,000 square metres of premium office accommodation, helping meet the growing demand for high-quality workspace within the Square Mile.
The building has been designed to accommodate a diverse range of occupiers, incorporating flexible office environments alongside collaborative and co-working spaces to support modern ways of working.
However, its most distinctive feature is not simply its height or office capacity—it is the building's commitment to public access.
As architect Eric Parry explains, the vision is to create "a uniquely welcoming tall building" that offers free public access throughout multiple levels of the development.
Modern skyscrapers are increasingly expected to contribute more than office space.
The revised proposals for 1 Undershaft place civic engagement at the heart of the design by creating spaces that everyone can enjoy, regardless of whether they work in the building.
Among the most exciting additions is a public viewing gallery at the top of the tower.
Set to become the highest free public viewing platform in Europe, it will provide spectacular panoramic views across London while also housing educational exhibitions curated in partnership with the London Museum, allowing visitors to explore the capital's rich history from one of its newest landmarks.
Updated plans have significantly enhanced the building's public realm.
One of the headline features is a 20-metre digital public screen overlooking St Helen's Square. Rather than functioning solely as advertising space, the screen is intended to display public information and support cultural events, performances and community activities.
The revised design also increases the amount of public open space surrounding the building.
By repositioning the southern façade further north, the development creates a larger and more welcoming St Helen's Square, giving pedestrians greater room to gather, relax and enjoy the area.
Visitors will enter through an impressive new public entrance leading into a spacious raised lobby designed to feel open, inviting and accessible.
Green space plays an increasingly important role in modern commercial developments, and 1 Undershaft embraces this philosophy throughout the building.
The design includes landscaped gardens at both lower and upper levels, helping soften the urban environment while supporting biodiversity.
One of the standout features is an 11th-floor public garden, designed as a biodiverse green space where visitors, office workers and the public can enjoy a tranquil environment away from the busy streets below.
During colder months, visitors will still be able to enjoy nature through a double-height indoor public garden room, ensuring year-round access to attractive communal space.
Environmental responsibility has become a defining feature of contemporary commercial developments.
The extensive landscaping surrounding 1 Undershaft aims to improve biodiversity while enhancing the streetscape through increased planting and carefully designed public spaces.
By integrating green areas throughout the development, the building seeks to contribute positively to both environmental sustainability and the wellbeing of its occupants and visitors.
The combination of planting, gardens and publicly accessible open space reflects a broader shift towards healthier and more sustainable workplaces.
Beyond its architectural significance, 1 Undershaft will make an important economic contribution to the City of London.
The development is expected to provide workspace capable of supporting thousands of employees while helping meet growing demand for Grade A office accommodation.
Flexible working environments, collaborative spaces and modern building services will allow organisations to adapt to evolving workplace expectations while maintaining a prestigious City location.
Projects of this scale create significant opportunities for Facilities Management professionals.
Managing a mixed-use, publicly accessible skyscraper requires expertise across a broad range of disciplines, including:
The integration of public gardens, viewing galleries and cultural spaces adds another level of operational complexity, requiring Facilities Managers to balance commercial requirements with exceptional visitor experiences.
1 Undershaft represents a broader evolution in commercial property development.
Rather than creating office towers solely for business use, developers are increasingly designing buildings that contribute to the wider community through public amenities, cultural experiences and environmental improvements.
This approach benefits multiple stakeholders by creating destinations that are not only productive workplaces but also attractive places to visit, learn and spend time.
1 Undershaft is set to become one of London's defining modern landmarks.
Combining world-class office accommodation with publicly accessible gardens, cultural attractions, sustainable design and Europe's highest free viewing gallery, the development demonstrates how skyscrapers can contribute far beyond their commercial purpose.
For Facilities Management professionals, architects and developers alike, it provides an exciting example of how future commercial buildings can successfully balance operational excellence, environmental responsibility and public engagement.
As London continues to evolve, projects like 1 Undershaft will help shape a more connected, sustainable and inclusive city for businesses, residents and visitors alike.
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