The Shard sends a “powerful exclamation mark to the world that London and Britain are open for business”, Boris Johnson said today.
Speaking at the inauguration of the 72-floor tower, the London mayor said: “This is a tremendous statement of confidence in London in 2012. It signifies the global role and ambition of London.”
Johnson said the impact on the area around London Bridge station would be profound: “This is the trigger for the regeneration of the whole area.”
Also speaking at the inauguration, the prime minister of Qatar suggested that further investment in the capital’s real estate was imminent.
Sheikh Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabor Al Thani said: “There are a lot of things in the pipeline. We’re not doing this just to please you. We think it will benefit both sides.”
Johnson added: “There are some wonderful ideas in the pipeline.”
Sheikh Hamad also hinted that he would seek to continue to work with Shard architect Renzo Piano. Earlier, Piano had likened handing over the completed building to handing over a baby to someone for the first time. Sheikh Hamad responded: “We will give him another baby”.
The celebration will continue tonight with a dinner at Old Billingsgate, followed by a laser show accompanied by the London Philharmonic Orchestra.
For more see our Shard special report.
damian.wild@estatesgazette.com
