Standing 309 metres tall, the Shard – on completion – became the tallest building in the United Kingdom, and the seventh-tallest building in Europe. It also became the second-tallest free-standing structure in the United Kingdom. It replaced Southwark Towers, a 24-storey block built on the site dating from 1975.
The Shard’s construction began in March 2009 and was topped out on 30 March 2012.
The tower’s 72nd floor observation deck, The View from The Shard, was opened to the public on 1 February 2013.
