London SE1 community website

Mayor to take space at Shard of Glass

London SE1 website team

Ken Livingstone has confirmed recent press speculation that Transport for London is likely to pre-let space within the Shard of Glass at London Bridge.

The Mayor explained to journalists at his weekly press conference that he had originally hoped to centralise all of TfL's offices on the More London site where City Hall is located, but the space was let to a law firm instead.

Mr Livingstone said that the Shard's London Bridge location made it a compelling proposition because it would put TfL "within my arm's reach" and would "unlock the regeneration of one of the most run-down parts of London"/

Anticipating criticism of the use of taxpayers' money to kickstart a commercial development, the Mayor insisted that the terms verbally agreed with developers for the lower floors of the Shard were "impressively attractive".

Other parts of the GLA family are moving to new premises close to City Hall. The London Development Agency is moving from St Katharine Dock to Palestra in Blackfriars Road, whilst London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority, currently on SE1's Albert Embankment, is due to relocate to Union Street.

• Shard architect Renzo Piano is to give a 'sermon' at Southwark Cathedral on Friday 16 June as part of the London Architecture Biennale. Tickets are available now.

The SE1 website is supported by people like you
We are part of
Independent Community News Network
Email newsletter

For the latest local news and events direct to your inbox every Monday, you need our weekly email newsletter SE1 Direct.

Archive
News archive from February 1999 to January 2001
Got a story for us?
Contact us with your tip-offs and story ideas.