Spain unveils plans to build the tallest skyscraper in the EU
Madrid unveiled plans to build Europe's tallest skyscraper potentially topping current title holder, The Shard
![The Shard is Europe's tallest inhabitable building](https://static.independent.co.uk/s3fs-public/thumbnails/image/2013/02/01/11/shard-2.jpg)
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Louise Thomas
Editor
The Shard could lose its title as Europe’s tallest building after developers in Spain unveiled plans for an even bigger skyscraper.
Since 2011, the triangle shaped tower has dominated the London skyline, earning it the prestige of being Europe’s tallest inhabitable structure.
Standing at 310 metres tall, 72 of the 95 floors are in use, with the upper floors accounting for the spire.
But new plans for a six tower development in Madrid could knock it off the top spot with one tower included in the complex planned to be 70 floors, also topping 300 metres
Antonio Béjar, CEO of the company behind the project, Distrito Castellana Norte (DCN), announced the lavish plans.
He said the skyscrapers would: "Transform the city’s skyline and put Madrid among the main European capital cities.
"The project is closer than ever to starting,"
The entire development forms part of a wider regeneration scheme for the northern part of the city, which has been progressing over the years.
DCN is currently applying for all the necessary permits to begin construction.
Currently, the tallest inhabitable building in the EU, after The Shard, is the Commerzbank Tower at 259 metres, followed by the Messeturm, 257 metres, both in Frankfurt.
In fourth and fifth place is the Torre de Cristal at 249 metres, then the Torre Cepsa, 248.3 metres, both in Madrid.
The new development will sit close to the existing skyscrapers in the city.
Despite London's Shard possibly losing its crown, the ever sprawling city may reclaim it with more towering building popping up in the future.
At least nine skyscrapers are either under construction in the Big Smoke, or have been approved.
With the shortest of the bunch measuring in at 97 metres – the Canaletto at Old Street - and the tallest so far 211 metres - The Herzog & de Meuron Building near Canary Wharf – London may well top the list in the future.
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