Basilica find changes tower plans

Admin

February 18, 2025
2 min read

Plans for a new tower block will be revised after the remains of a Roman basilica has been found. The remains of the 2,000-year-old public building which saw major political, economic, and administrative decisions being made, were unearthed beneath an office block at 85 Gracechurch Street. The block was scheduled to be demolished and rebuilt.

The ongoing excavation has discovered sections of a limestone wall which would have formed the base of the basilica. The site’s owner, Hertshten Properties, has permission to build a 32-storey tower on the site. This will be revised to include the Roman display.

The remains will form part of an “immersive experience” delivered in partnership with the London Museum. It hopes to open by 2029-30. Hertshten Properties said it is excited to show off “such a monumental piece of London’s history.” The exhibition, chief executive Rob Hertshten said, will be a “world-class public experience.”

The developer also revealed its plans to reduce the tower’s height to 30 storeys. The building is opposite the historic Leadenhall Market and will include offices, retail outlets, and a cultural space.

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