The City of London has granted planning permission for two new towers in the Square Mile, including a significant development at 85 Gracechurch Street that underwent design revisions following a major archaeological discovery. This site revealed the remains of London’s first Roman basilica, dating from the late 1st century AD, altering the trajectory of the proposed office scheme and adding a notable historical layer to the project.

Initially, Woods Bagot had planned a 32-storey tower for 85 Gracechurch Street, but archaeological investigations carried out by Museum of London Archaeology uncovered substantial Roman ruins on the site, including well-preserved foundations and walls constructed from flint, ragstone, and Roman tiles. These remains are part of the basilica that once formed the civic heart of Londinium, encompassing political, judicial, commercial, and social functions. This discovery is exceptional in shedding light on Roman London's early development and the brief use of the forum it was part of, providing crucial insights into the lives of its inhabitants and the city’s ancient urban fabric.

In response, the scheme was revised and resubmitted in April 2025, reducing the tower’s height from 32 to 30 storeys to accommodate the archaeological findings. The updated design incorporates a permanent public exhibition space within the basement to showcase the basilica ruins, creating a bridge between past and present. The plans also include enhanced public hall, retail, and event spaces, alongside a public viewing deck overlooking nearby Leadenhall Market. The goal, as explained by Woods Bagot, is to foster a dialogue between the historical significance of the site and contemporary office use, transforming the building into a place where visitors and workers alike can engage with London's Roman heritage.

The developer, Hertshten Properties, alongside Woods Bagot and the Museum of London, intends to commemorate the basilica’s location through a visitor centre integrated into the tower, making the Roman remains accessible to the public. The basilica possibly represents the Tribunal area where magistrates and political leaders convened, emphasizing the site’s former role as a centre of governance and civic administration. The project is scheduled for completion by 2030, pending final planning approvals and further archaeological excavation.

This development is part of a broader trend in the City of London where new construction projects increasingly intertwine with archeological preservation efforts. The careful balancing act between urban growth and heritage conservation highlights the unique challenges of building in one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. The Gracechurch Street project exemplifies this, aiming not only to provide modern office space but also to enrich London’s public realm by fostering greater understanding of its ancient roots.

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Source: Noah Wire Services