The building will provide 43 office floors ranging between 14,000 and 33,000 sf; four trading floors of 39,000 sf each; 22,000 sf of retail space and 19,000 sfof restaurant space. Minerva has completed its land assembly and has vacant possession of the site, so it could start construction as soon as planning consent is granted.

But that is not a foregone conclusion as tall buildings are a contentious issue in the City. Minerva points out that the building sits within a cluster of existing tall buildings and will not impinge on any of the protected views of St Paul's Cathedral. Its chances of winning consent will be improved if the result of the Bishopsgate Tower inquiry goes--as many observers expect--in favour of developer Heron. The inspector is understood to have completed his report and a decision from Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott is expected within weeks.

Minerva has commissioned a design by NicholasGrimshaw and Partners, clad in aluminium and glass, with a number of environmentally friendly features including natural ventilation which will reduce energy consumption by 50%. Chairman Sir Nicholas Grimshaw said: "The Minerva Building seriously addresses many environmental issues--the factthat you can actually open your window and breathe fresh air will enhance thelives of the occupants, as will the wonderful views of London. I believe that the building,with its slender silhouette, will become a new London landmark and will greatlyenhance the skyline of the City.