The opening of the "shard of glass" hotel in London marks Hong Kong-based Shangrila-La Group's investment foray in Europe

Hong Kong-based luxury hotel group Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts will open its first hotel in Europe at London Bridge Tower, which is set to become the continent's tallest building on completion in 2009.

 

The company signed a 30-year lease agreement with Sellar Property Group for London's first new five star hotel for more than a decade.

 

Designed by internationally acclaimed architect Renzo Piano, the iconic London Bridge Tower is situated on the south bank of the Thames River diagonally opposite the Tower of London. Known as the "Shard of Glass," the tower will be 310 metres (1,016 ft.) high.

 

The 195-room Shangri-La, accessed by a dedicated entrance at street level, will occupy floors 34 to 52 (18 floors total) of London Bridge Tower. The 70-storey building will include shops, offices, restaurants, residential accommodation and public viewing galleries.

 

"The Shangri-La Hotel at London Bridge Tower will be a dramatic introduction of our signature Asian hospitality and style to Europe," said Giovanni Angelini, CEO and managing director of Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts.

 

Italian-born architect Renzo Piano is recognised for major projects such as the Potsdamer Platz reconstruction, Berlin; the Kansai International Airport, Osaka; and the Centre Georges Pompidou, Paris. Two of his current projects include the New York Times Headquarters building and Art Institute of Chicago expansion. Renzo Piano Building Workshop has offices in Genoa and Paris.

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts currently manages 46 hotels under the Shangri-La and Traders Hotels brands in Asia and the Middle East. For more information