Stent, Scheldebouw, Corus/CBUK and Kone win Shard contracts

Construction of Europe’s tallest building The Shard of Glass is expected to start in London by the end of the year, following the award of several major contracts.

Foundation contractor Stent has won the piling contract, Scheldebouw the facades contract, while Corus/CBUK will be responsible for steel and Kone for lifts.

A Shard spokesman said the contracts represented about a third of the total build costs, which are being kept a secret.

He said the project was on schedule to start by the end of the year, with demolition work started.

The 310m tower will form part of a new London Bridge Quarter, comprising mixed use space, refurbishment of New London Bridge House and a piazza.

Bernard Ainsworth, project managing director at developer Sellar Property Group, said more announcements would follow shortly.

He said: “This is a major milestone in the Shard delivery programme. Intensive discussions are continuing with a number of other contractors, including concrete and MEP.”

Mace is the main project contractor and Turner & Townsend are the project managers.