City of London skyscraper plan risks burial site and Tower views, say heritage bodies

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May 5, 2025
4 min read

City of London skyscraper plan risks burial site and Tower views, say heritage bodies

The latest City of London skyscraper plan is drawing sharp criticism from heritage groups over concerns it could disrupt skyline views of the Tower of London and disturb a forgotten medieval burial ground. The proposed 46-storey tower at 63 St Mary Axe, just next to the Gherkin, may appear like another push to modernise the Square Mile’s skyline. However, beneath the paving slabs lies what’s believed to be a 13th-century graveyard.

Historic England, which has formally objected to the plans, says the site could hold important archaeological remains and has advised the City of London Corporation to refuse the development in its current form. According to their submission, the project risks damaging what’s left of two ancient churches, St Augustine Papey and St Martin Outwich, along with graves that may still be intact. There’s also the possibility of older Roman-era remains that haven’t been properly evaluated.

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Developers AXA IM Alts submitted the scheme in February, proposing to demolish the current building to make way for a sleek high-rise packed with offices, hospitality spaces, and a public auditorium. Their plans include the creation of a new park and the unveiling of a long-buried section of the original Roman wall, a move they argue will enhance public engagement with the site’s heritage.

A spokesperson for the developer said, “The potential graveyard has been paved over for decades,” and explained that their proposal would actually celebrate the area’s layered history through greening and improved public access. They also point to the demand for office space outlined in the City of London Corporation’s City Plan 2040, which forecasts a need for over 1.2 million square metres of new office floor space over the next 15 years.

Still, objections remain. Tower Hamlets Council had already raised concerns about the impact on the Tower of London, particularly its silhouette, which is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Although two storeys have since been shaved off the original proposal in response to feedback, Historic England argues the revised design still intrudes on the “clear sky backdrop” of the White Tower, one of the most recognisable symbols of Norman authority in Britain.

In their words,

“The further encroachment of this development into the sky space around the Tower would present a greater distraction in views of its silhouette.”

They describe the view of the Tower against the open sky as critical to its historical significance.

Meanwhile, local history remains a key concern. No archaeological dig has yet taken place to assess the burial ground’s condition, meaning planners are relying solely on desk-based studies. Historic England has urged that any remains, whether medieval or Roman, should be properly investigated before construction begins.

The plan would mark AXA’s third major tower in London in recent years, following 22 Bishopsgate and 50 Fenchurch Street. According to the developer, over 350 stakeholders have been consulted on the St Mary Axe proposal during the past 18 months. However, the objections have reignited ongoing questions about how London’s oldest spaces should be treated amid the Square Mile’s push for height, density, and commercial growth.

For more on how historic London is being reshaped by development, and how the Square Mile balances modern demand with ancient ground, visit EyeOnLondon City. We’d love to hear your views in the comments.