Row over TfL's sky-high rent in glass tower

Date: 19 May 2006
Source: Thisislocallondon.co.uk
Sky-high rent to move Transport for London's offices to the proposed 66-storey "Shard of Glass" next to London Bridge station has drawn fierce criticism.

TfL could pay up to £13.5 million a year for 300 square feet in what is to become the tallest building in Western Europe.London mayor Ken Livingstone claimed the company got an "impressively attractive" deal for the lower floors."We're not paying a premium for the wonderful view," he said yesterday. "They are looking down on the dustbins and a bus garage."

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But he refused to reveal the bill to taxpayers.

During question time at the London Assembly, the Conservatives' Tony Arbour told the mayor: "If it is as good a deal as that, you should be trumpeting it from the roof tops.

"The problem is ... you keep all your property deals the most incredible secret."

The Shard, a 1,016ft tower of glass that will replace an existing 24-storey office block, is due for completion by 2010.

According to the Estates Gazette, the rent will be £45 per square foot - compared to £31.10 per square foot for the mayor's prime offices in City Hall.

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