Friday 1 February 2013

Boris Johnson officially opens the Shard viewing deck

Mayor of London Boris Johnson cuts a ribbon to officially open the observation deck on the Shard, western Europe's tallest building.

Speaking on the observation deck of the Shard, Boris Johnson described London's tallest building as "a most amazing place". He said: "It's the closest thing to being in an airplane and looking down on London. But you can walk around, you've got complete stability. You can see all the bends in the river, you can see my office, you can see Buckingham Palace, you can see the whole thing for 40 miles around. It's like the tip of a cocktail stick emerging through the skin of a colossol pickled onion," he added.

On a clear day, visitors to the Shard, which towers over the city at a height of 1,016ft, are promised a spectacular view of the capital. But visibility was restricted for the dignitaries, journalists and members of the public attending the launch because of wet and cloudy weather.
Some 4,800 people have paid for admission today - at £24.95 for adults and £18.95 for children.
On a clear day, visitors will be able to enjoy a 360-degree view of the capital's skyline, from a platform almost twice the height of any other in the city.

With the help of specially-designed telescopes, they should be able to pick out London's landmarks in the streets below. Visitors to the attraction - on floors 68, 69 and 72 - are whisked up in two high-speed lifts in around 60 seconds.





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