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London's Shard skyscraper observation deck opens to public London's Shard skyscraper observation deck opens to public
(about 3 hours later)
The observation deck on the Shard - western Europe's tallest building - will open to the public later. The observation deck on the Shard - western Europe's tallest building - has opened to the public.
At 09:00 GMT, London Mayor Boris Johnson will cut a ribbon to the viewing platform, which is positioned 243m (800ft) up the skyscraper. London Mayor Boris Johnson cut a ribbon to the viewing platform, which is positioned 243m (800ft) up the skyscraper.
He will be joined by its architect Renzo Piano for the opening of the attraction, The View from The Shard. He was joined by its architect Renzo Piano for the opening of the attraction, The View from The Shard.
The Shard, which stands next to London Bridge station, is 310m (1,016ft) - 87 storeys - tall.The Shard, which stands next to London Bridge station, is 310m (1,016ft) - 87 storeys - tall.
On a clear day, visitors are promised a spectacular 40-mile panoramic view of the capital.On a clear day, visitors are promised a spectacular 40-mile panoramic view of the capital.
But forecasts of wet and cloudy weather mean visibility could be severely restricted for the 4,800 people who have already paid for admission on Friday.But forecasts of wet and cloudy weather mean visibility could be severely restricted for the 4,800 people who have already paid for admission on Friday.
Ticket prices are £24.95 for adults and £18.95 for children.Ticket prices are £24.95 for adults and £18.95 for children.
Special telescopesSpecial telescopes
According to The View from the Shard website, there will be no refunds.According to The View from the Shard website, there will be no refunds.
Instead, visitors will be able to return at another time if the bad weather fails to clear.Instead, visitors will be able to return at another time if the bad weather fails to clear.
Visitors to the attraction - on floors 68, 69 and 72 - will be whisked up in two high-speed lifts within around 60 seconds.Visitors to the attraction - on floors 68, 69 and 72 - will be whisked up in two high-speed lifts within around 60 seconds.
They will be able to look through special telescopes known as Tell: scopes.They will be able to look through special telescopes known as Tell: scopes.
These show not only a live "as it is" image but, at the push of a button what a clear-day view would be as well as a sunset view and a night view.These show not only a live "as it is" image but, at the push of a button what a clear-day view would be as well as a sunset view and a night view.
The Shard is part of a £2bn redevelopment of the London Bridge area.The Shard is part of a £2bn redevelopment of the London Bridge area.
The triangular-shaped building has 600,000sq ft of offices, three floors of restaurants and a 200-room Shangri-La hotel which is due to open this summer.The triangular-shaped building has 600,000sq ft of offices, three floors of restaurants and a 200-room Shangri-La hotel which is due to open this summer.
There are also 10 luxury apartments which are expected to be priced as high as £50m each.There are also 10 luxury apartments which are expected to be priced as high as £50m each.