Planning permission has been granted by the City of London Corporation for construction of what will be the second tallest building in Western Europe behind the Shard.

Aroland Holdings, a developer based in Singapore, has secured approval to construct a skyscraper at 1 Undershaft, which will stand between the Cheesegrater, the Gherkin and the new 22 Bishopsgate tower which is being built by Multiplex.

The 1 Undershaft tower will stand at 304.94 metres tall above ordnance datum (289.94 metres in structural height), which will outstrip the 278 metre high tower at 22 Bishopsgate.

Across the river next to London Bridge station, The Shard is 309.6 metres high to its tip.

At the latest City of London Corporation’s planning & transportation committee meeting, 1 Undershaft was approved by a vote of 19-2.

The work will first of all involve demolition of the current Aviva Tower. Designed by architect Eric Parry, the 73 storey structure will provide 130,000 square metres of office accommodation, along with over 2,000 square metres of retail space.

Upon completion, around 10,000 workers will work in the building, with 1,600 of them able to park their bikes there.

A free public viewing gallery will stand at the top of the structure, which will be served by a dedicated lift service.

The public viewing gallery will be home to the highest restaurant in London and will have learning spaces for schools and other groups to discover more about the capital, its growth and history. The Museum of London has had discussions with the developer over a dedicated gallery at the top of the building, using 1 Undershaft’s height to show London’s development.

At the base of 1 Undershaft, a new larger public square will be created. The building has an elevated reception, allowing pedestrians to walk beneath the building.