Johnson cuts ribbon on Shard deck (From Salisbury Journal)
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Johnson cuts ribbon on Shard deck
9:45am Friday 1st February 2013 in National News © Press Association 2013
The Shard towers over London at a height of 1,016ft
Boris Johnson has officially opened the Shard's observation deck to the public.
The Mayor of London cut a ribbon just over 800ft (244 metres) above the capital to welcome visitors to the highest vantage point in western Europe.
He was joined on level 72 of London's tallest building by its architect, Renzo Piano, for the opening of the attraction, The View from The Shard.
Mr Piano said: "This building is magic for a number of reasons. First, because it's in London, second, because it's so tall, and third, because this building is a part of London. It's a sense of London.
"It's sad when London is sad, it's joyful when London is brilliant and joyful."
Mr Johnson described the building as "a most amazing place".
He said: "I don't think there's anything in London like this. 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."
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. Visitors to the attraction - on floors 68, 69 and 72 - are whisked up in two high-speed lifts in around 60 seconds.
