Further funding for the Shard of Glass at London Bridge has been pledged by property developers Qatari Diar. The Arab investors loaned an undisclosed but 'significant' sum, contributing to the estimated £2 billion project costs. It now seems more certain than ever that the tallest building in Europe will rise next door to the tallest hospital in Europe (Guy's). Demolition of a previous mid-rise tower on the site is almost complete, with piling and foundation work for the Shard due to start in January. The news is a shot in the arm for skyscraper enthusiasts in a time when the economic downturn might threaten such projects. Further details at the Financial Times.
