Operators sought for London tower hotel

International hotel operators are being sought to take control of a 200-bedroom hotel at London Bridge Tower, nicknamed the Shard of Glass.

Developer Sellar Property Group has appointed agents Christie & Co to find operators for the hotel.

Jeremy Hill, head of Christie's European hotels team, said: "This will be a unique hotel in the London market."

Five-star operators such as Mandarin Oriental and Hilton's upscale Conrad are being sought to take over the operation of the hotel.

The hotel part of the development, which will also feature gallery, office, retail and leisure space, is expected to start from the 40th floor, offering spectacular views across London.

Permission for the scheme, designed by architect Renzo Piano, was granted last year after a public inquiry. Construction of the £350m, 1,017ft tower is expected to start next year and be finished by 2009.