Work on an iconic new office, shops and restaurant complex in London’s former City Hall is forging ahead.
Construction workers are busy with the transformation of the building, which was the seat of power in the capital up until 2021.
Once completed, workers, shoppers and diners will enjoy stunning views, some from open-plan garden terraces, over the Thames and Tower Bridge.
The landmark external glass panels have been dismantled from the building on the south side of the river.
A crane now towers over the ex-City Hall shell as builders press ahead with the project.
The site is strikingly different from when it was a busy centre of regional government, with so many key decisions for the capital being made there.
When the late Queen opened the ten-storey Greater London Authority building in July 2002, it was cutting-edge architecture for a civic centre having been purpose-built by Foster & Partners
“This striking new addition to the capital's skyline is situated amongst some of our best-known landmarks which, over the years, have come to represent not only London but Great Britain for millions across the globe - the Tower of London, Tower Bridge and the Thames itself,” she said.
“London's ability to combine the old and the new - embracing continuity and change down the centuries - is one of the many qualities which puts it amongst the great cities of the world.”
She also told how her grandfather, King George V, opened the last seat of London government, County Hall, in 1922.
But now London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has moved City Hall to a smaller building, previously known as The Crystal, in the Royal Docks to save money.
The old mayoral centre, now known as 110 The Queen’s Walk, is being converted into offices, shops and other commercial space.
There will also be cafes and restaurants on the ground floor and a market hall beside the sunken-level “Scoop” seating area.
It aims to attract Londoners, tourists and other visitors to it array of outlets.
Gensler architects have been employed for the transformation of the building which is owned by Kuwaiti-owned St Martins Property Investments.
“The proposed changes aim to create a forward-looking, mixed-use destination that contributes to the vibrancy of London Bridge City, with ground-floor cafes, shops, and restaurants to generate employment opportunities and increase tourism footfall,” Gensler says on its website.
“The proposed project is anchored around principles of reuse, material circularity, passive design, biodiversity, and inclusivity — the main drivers to support a sustainable London of the future.”
Tony Blair introduced the London mayoralty but failed in his bid to stop Ken Livingstone becoming the first to take up the role in 2000, to be followed by Boris Johnson and now Sir Sadiq.
