Custom House City Limited has recently submitted plans for the redevelopment of Custom House on Lower Thames Street in the City of London, with the aim of transforming the historic building into a luxurious hotel. The proposed plans include the creation of a new 179-bed hotel complete with a dedicated spa and health facilities. Additionally, the King’s Warehouse will feature a diverse food and beverage offer, while the Long Room is set to become one of the premier event spaces in the City.
Custom House is a stunning example of Neo-Classical architecture located at the historic Pool of London. With over 200 years of history as the home of customs and trade, the building holds significant national importance in the realm of British overseas commerce. After being vacated by HMRC in 2021, the redevelopment plans aim to restore the building to its former glory while incorporating modern amenities and preserving its historical significance.
Central to the proposed redevelopment is a cultural strategy that emphasizes public access to the building’s principal historic spaces. This includes establishing a ‘Golden Thread’ that will guide visitors through key areas of Custom House, allowing them to immerse themselves in the rich history of the building. The plans also feature a new public ground-floor route through the King’s Warehouse, dynamic historic displays, galleries, an exhibition/engagement space, and a historical library within the Tide Waiter’s Room.
One of the key aspects of the redevelopment is the creation of a newly landscaped public quayside, which will provide an inclusive amenity space for the City of London. This space will unlock a previously constrained stretch of the Thames Path and offer year-round public access. The addition of two new terraces on the Central Wing’s southern elevation will create outdoor dining areas connected to the quayside, ensuring step-free access into the building.
In line with sustainable practices, the proposals include measures to reduce environmental impact, such as upgrading the building’s thermal performance, implementing an all-electric MEP strategy, and enhancing biodiversity. Additionally, the plans incorporate historically accurate interventions, including the reinstatement of window awnings for passive solar shading and the removal of modern additions that detract from the building’s original design.
Throughout the development process, the plans have been carefully crafted to preserve the Grade I Listed Custom House, as well as the Grade II* Listed River Wall, Stairs, and Cranes along Custom House Quay. Extensive engagement and consultation with heritage stakeholders, former Customs Officers, and the local community have helped shape the proposals to ensure they align with the building’s historical significance.
In a statement, Jay Matharu of Jastar Capital expressed excitement about the revitalization of Custom House, highlighting the plans to create welcoming community spaces, a heritage-focused hotel, event spaces, dining experiences, a spa, and a dynamic quayside. The project aims to breathe new life into this iconic London landmark while respecting its rich history and architectural integrity.
Gareth Fox of Montagu Evans emphasized the importance of the plans in bringing a significant London heritage asset back into viable use as a landmark hotel. The restoration of Custom House will contribute to the City of London’s Destination City initiative, offering guests and the public alike the opportunity to explore and enjoy this historic building.
Kate Falconer Hall of Montagu Evans underscored the significance of the proposals in preserving and enhancing Custom House as a Grade I listed building. The refurbishment plans focus on conserving and enhancing the building’s architectural features while ensuring public access and enjoyment of its historical spaces.
Elyse Howell-Price of Orms highlighted the sensitivity and importance of revitalizing Custom House, emphasizing the deep investigation into the building’s history and construction. By engaging with stakeholders and envisioning the potential of the site, Orms aims to bring Custom House back into use while improving the riverside experience for all Londoners.
In conclusion, the redevelopment plans for Custom House represent a comprehensive and thoughtful approach to transforming this historic building into a vibrant hotel and cultural destination. With a focus on preserving heritage, enhancing sustainability, and providing public access, the project aims to revitalize Custom House for future generations to enjoy. In today’s fast-paced business environment, effective communication is key to success. Whether it’s communicating with clients, colleagues, or stakeholders, the ability to convey information clearly and concisely is essential. Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings, delays, and even lost opportunities. Therefore, it is crucial for professionals to continuously work on improving their communication skills.
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