Plans for an approved 32-storey office block by Leadenhall Market are to be revised after London’s first Roman basilica was discovered beneath the site.
The structure’s remains, which are estimated to be around 2,000 years old, are to be demonstrated in a new public exhibition at the base of 85 Gracechurch Street.
The find has, however, prompted a slight rethink of the scheme by the premises owner Hertshten Properties. This includes reducing the building from 32 to 30 storeys.
The office space to be delivered will remain the same. The change in height is due to the cultural offer being moved from within the building itself to the basement, which is where the public exhibition will be located.
Rob Hertshten, Chief Executive of Hertshten Properties, said the team is excited to be bringing forward ‘such a monumental piece of London’s history’.
The basilica, which is believed to date to the late 70s or 80s AD, would have formed part of the wider Roman forum.
This would have been the ‘beating heart’ of Roman London, Hertshten Properties said in a release, serving as the ‘political, judicial, commercial, and social hub for residents and visitors’.
The remains were discovered during investigations by Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA). The location of the ancient basilica was known by experts, though the extent of its preservation proved a welcome surprise. It will be presented as part of a new public exhibition and immersive experience delivered in partnership with the London Museum.
A public consultation has been held on Thursday (February 13) at 85 Gracechurch Street on the revised proposals for the redevelopment. A new planning application is to be submitted in the spring, with hopes the experience will open from 2029/2030.
Under the consented scheme, approved in October 2023, the existing building is to be demolished and redeveloped with a viewing deck and retail space to be provided alongside the offices.
Mr Hertshten said: “The Roman Basilica will be incorporated as a world-class public experience through updates to the proposed design of the development, right in its original location. With the expertise of MOLA, London Museum and Woods Bagot, the exhibition space will be the only public display of the first Roman Forum.
“Together, the commercial and civic elements of the updated planning application will enable us to deliver much needed world class office space, as well as vitalise the site and complement the adjacent Leadenhall Market, creating a seven-day destination at 85 Gracechurch Street.”
Sophie Jackson, Director of Development at MOLA, added: “This is one of the most significant discoveries made in the City in recent years. It’s like discovering the Speaker’s Chair and chamber of the House of Commons, 2,000 years into the future.
“The levels of preservation of the basilica have far exceeded our expectations, and we have possibly the most important part of the building. Excitingly, we’ve only just scratched the surface of this site’s potential through our initial investigations.
“We look forward to discovering more about these remains, working with the site owners, London Museum, and to develop a truly unique and captivating archaeological experience and public space.”
The announcement comes days after plans for a 33-storey office building just down the road at 70 Gracechurch Street were approved by the City of London Corporation. As well as office space, the scheme also includes a public viewing gallery and a pop-up market on the ground floor.
