Design Revisions for London's 85 Gracechurch Street Will Preserve Roman Basilica Ruins

Rendering of the exhibition space displaying the found Roman ruins. Image courtesy Woods Bagot

14 April 2025 | London, United Kingdom

Woods Bagot has submitted revised plans for a high-rise at 85 Gracechurch Street in the City of London, reducing the tower’s height from 32 to 30 stories following the discovery of significant Roman ruins on site. The archaeological find, uncovered by the Museum of London Archaeology, includes 1st-century AD foundations and walls from a Roman basilica, part of ancient Londinium’s civic centre.

The design had originally been approved 18 months ago, and the early work of excavation and foundation construction revealed the miraculous archeological find. The new scheme now incorporates a public exhibition space in the basement to permanently display the ruins. Additional updates include an enhanced public hall, retail, and event spaces.

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85 Gracechurch Street

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DP9 Ltd

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The plans for revising the proposal were presented in a public consultation in February 2025 and has been praised by Herston Properties CEO Ron Hertshten for placing “the literal heart of Roman London at the core” of the design. The 85 Gracechurch Street project is scheduled for completion by 2030, with a planning decision expected this summer. With the evolving needs of the post-COVID workplace, the design creates a distinctive architectural identity and contributes to the 1.2 million square meters of new office space targeted in the City of London for completion by 2040.

Project collaborators on the 85 Gracechurch scheme include Arup, Sweco, DP9, Gardiner & Theobald, and Turner & Townsend Alinea.

Learn more at BD Online.