And these rare and exclusive images by photographer David Hobcote show the jaw-dropping scale of the project.

Mr Hobcote took the pictures from a helicopter he had personally chartered as a treat for his son. And his stunning images could be the last unofficial pictures as officials are expected to introduce a 3-mile no-fly zone as a precaution against terrorism.

Developers are keeping the final height of the tower a secret due to competition from other buildings under construction or proposed; however, figures released by a contractor on the project have suggested a height of around 818m (2,684 ft) - although it could be anything up to 950m (3,117 ft).