December 19th, 2006

The co-owners of a 58 storey skyscraper in Paris are to shell out over one hundred million Euros for the removal of asbestos in the building. According to the operators of the building complex the co-owners have voted to shell out one hundred and ten million Euros in order to get the asbestos removed from the building, which lies in the southwest of Paris.

The building is the tallest skyscraper in the country, and over half a million tourists visit the building each year. The asbestos was discovered in 2005, and the decision to pay out the one hundred and ten million Euros to have it removed came after assessments were carried out over a twelve month period.

l'Ensemble Immobilier Tour Maine-Montparnasse, the management company of the tower stated: “Asbestos removal and modernization of the building will cost about €110, paid by the tower's co-owners, which are for the most part institutional investors.”

The company added: "Removal is done floor-by-floor, with no occupants present. The panoramic restaurant on the 56th floor will not be affected." Work is likely to go on until 2009.