Developer Targetfollow is awaiting approval from the City of London to build a 90m tall skyscraper in the shadow of Foster & Partners’ Gherkin building on St Mary’s Axe.

Designed by Foggo Associates, the building will be made of glass and steel and has already been dubbed the 'can of ham' because of its distinctive shape.

Foggo has taken the nickname in good humour. “We’ve been laughing about it,” architect Richard Constable said.

“Buildings in that sort of location are fairly iconic and tend to pick up nicknames. We’d be surprised if it didn’t get one.”

It will provide 18 floors of office space, almost 40,000sq m of retail space on the ground floor and associated landscaping and public realm enhancement works at street level.

Targetfollow development director Julian Wells said: ”Foggo has worked up a stunning design which will certainly add to the cityscape of this part of London. I think it’ll be stunning. It will provide grade A office accommodation, a great location and a fantastic design. We’re very excited about it.”