'Can of ham' garnished with a Gherkin

Developers have unveiled plans to build a new 18-storey skyscraper close to the site of Lord Foster of Thamesbank's Gherkin. The proposed building designed by Foggo Associates would stand 90m (295ft) tall.

Julian Wells from developers Targetfollow told the Evening Standard that: "The design is spectacular and we think it will add a huge amount to the City skyscape."

Planning permission for the building will be decided upon in Autumn. If permission is secured, the demolition of the two office blocks currently on the site will begin in two to three years time.

30 St Mary Axe is one of the tallest buildings in London. However, most Londoners now affectionately call it, “The Gherkin”, because of its obvious similarity to the vegetable’s shape. It reaches 180 metres/590 Feet skywards – making it over three times higher than the Niagara Falls.

Despite its shape, there is only one curved piece of glass in the entire building which can be found in the lens right at the top.

Independent travellers in the English capital can explore the City of London with The City & The Tower audio downloadable walking tour.

The City & The Tower, London visitor guide, begins outside St Paul's Cathedral. The magnificent place of worship is the handiwork of another great architect, Sir Christopher Wren. Walk through Sr Paul's Churchyard where the founding father of Methodism, John Wesley, is among the figures commemorated. Continue along Cheapside to St Mary-le-Bow. The Church was all but destroyed by the Great Fire of London (only the crypt survived). Wren was responsible for designing the building that stands today.

Listeners to the City & The Tower mp3 guided tour then walk on to Watling Street. The original street was one of the most important Roman roads in Britain. Hear about the remains of the Temple of Mithras. Walk along Queen Victoria Street and pause by the statue of one Arthur Wellesley - better known as the Duke of Wellington. Hear about some of his exploits on the battlefield. Hear about a famous female nineteenth century reformer Elizabeth Fry. A likeness of Fry appears on the back of five pound notes in England and Wales. And hear about the Old Lady of Threadneedle Street.

Next stop on The City & The Tower London walking tour is The Gherkin. This Walk Talk Tour audio walking tour of London finishes outside the Tower of London. To hear an audio sample from The City & The Tower, London city walking tour, please click here.

There are five Walk Talk Tours of London, which are available in English, French, German and Spanish. Each Walk Talk Tour mp3 guided tour of London costs just £5.95. Customers purchasing two tours simultaneously will receive a twenty per cent discount. Buy three at the same time and get thirty per cent off.

With a Walk Talk Tour, London travel guide, you're in charge. No need to struggle to follow - let alone hear - the man with the umbrella. Listeners to a Walk Talk Tour podcast guided tour are free to stop, start and listen again. Each Walk Talk Tour mp3 guided tour comes complete with easy-to-follow instructions and a free downloadable map - for you to print off - so you won't miss a thing.

Make the most of the City & the Tower, London iPod travel guide, by consulting our Where & When page, which provides information about admission charges and opening times along the tour's route.