The developer behind the landmark City of London skyscraper known as the Cheesegrater is looking at shelving the building as demand for office space in the financial sector continues to fall.

In a surprise shift in strategy, British Land will today reveal the Richard Rogers-designed Leadenhall building could be delayed as the company announces its first quarter results.

British Land, the UK’s second biggest property developer, has always said that it was on track to build the tower by 2011 but, according to people familiar with the company’s plans, it now lacks a clear timetable for completion.

The building would have been the tallest City of London tower by the time it was finished, although other skyscrapers could eventually eclipse it, such as the Pinnacle on Bishopsgate and the Shard at London Bridge.

Financial times, The Times