The name of a new urban sustanability centre being built in east London has been announced.

The Crystal is being built by Siemens, which today celebrated reaching the highest point in the construction of the project.

Costing �30million the Crystal is due to open in June next year.

It will host a free exhibition on urban living and the environmental challenges of the future, and is also being marketed as a global hub for “thought leadership on urban sustainability”.

Speaking at the topping out ceremony for the Crystal today London Mayor Boris Johnson said: “This is leading the way for the regeneration of this whole area.”

Mayor of Newham Sir Robin Wales said: “Give me companies like Siemens and we can transform the East End.

“The big thing Siemens is bringing is aspiration.”

The building, which is in two crystal-shaped sections covering an area of just under 2,000 metre squared, will result in the creation of 50 jobs and coontain conference facilities, research space, a restaurant, a cafe and a shop.

Andreas J. Goss, chief executive of Siemens plc, said: “The Crystal will be an iconic new centre of expertise when it opens to the public next year.

“Through this initiative Siemens continues to invest in the UK and to be a pioneer in the most innovative and sustainable technologies, inspiring a new generation of engineers and scientists.”