By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Standing tall: The Shard which towers over the Thames in London was designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano

Britain's highest ever crane will be put in place today at the building site of what will become Europe's tallest building.

Builders will use the machine to complete the spire of the Shard skyscraper near London Bridge in south London.

When fully extended the crane will sit at 317 metres or 1,040 ft above ground level, making it seven metres taller than the building's eventual highest point (310 metres).


It's a long way down! Work on the Shard is continuing with a view to completion in 2012

The Shard will become the tallest building in the European Union and the 45th tallest in the world when it is completed in 2012.

It will surpass the current record-holder, One Canada Square at London's Canary Wharf, which stands at 235 metres or 773 ft and was completed in 1991.

The nearby London Eye, the tallest big wheel in Europe, stands at a mere 135 metres.


Sky is the limit! An aerial view from the top of London's largest building

'The Shard is already making a positive impact on London's skyline and the spire will complement the design of the building and complete a truly stunning piece of architecture.'

At present the building stands at 244 metres. The crane will be used to complete the top 23 floors from a total of 95.

Sitting on a platform outside the building at floor 55, it is expected to raise 500 tonnes of steel in a total of around 100 lifts.


Royal view: Europe's largest skyscraper rises above the Tower of London

source: dailymail