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One of the most fascinating things about London is how seamlessly the city’s 2,000-year history blends in with its present. The capital may be constantly evolving for the better, but there’s always hints of the past which peek through. 85 Gracechurch Street is a perfect example of this.
Back in February, the ruins of the first Londinium basilica were discovered under an unremarkable road in the City. It was a huge find for archeologists, who have been working in the area for years, because the basilica would have been right next to the forum, the heart of Roman London. The site’s discovery potentially offers researchers much deeper insights into how the city functioned two millennia ago – and, more than anything, it’s just really cool.
So cool, in fact, that the discoverers of the basilica are keen not to keep it to themselves. Planning permission was just approved by the City of London Corporation, giving Hertshten Properties the go-ahead to renovate 85 Gracechurch Street, the modern building currently sitting above the ancient ruins. The goal is to create modern office spaces and, of course, to ‘uncover and showcase the remains’.
The development will see the skyscraper reach 32 stories tall, and it will come complete with a huge public hall with access to the 19th-century Leadenhall Market. The market itself is sort of like a modern day forum, a few feet away from the Roman one. Some things really do never change.
Of course, the most unique part of 85 Gracechurch Street will be in its basement. An ‘immersive exhibition experience’ will be constructed around the uncovered basilica, which will be open to anyone who wants to explore Roman London. As if that wasn’t enough history, a public viewing gallery will also open on the building's fifth floor, offering visitors views of the Victorian Leadenhall Market. Basically, there’s going to be a lot going on in this new building.
Despite having 32 stories, 85 Gracechurch Street isn’t even the City’s tallest building that was approved this week. A huge, 45 storey tall skyscraper is set to go up on 63 St Mary’s Axe, next to the Gherkin, in the coming years. It will also have access to the old Roman walls, and that’s no accident. The chairman of the City of London Corporation Planning committee said that ‘it has always been our ambition to connect the City’s archaeological landmarks into a cohesive and compelling narrative – one that spans over 2,000 years of evolution, ambition, and identity,’ adding ‘85 Gracechurch embodies the enduring spirit of the Square Mile: a place where heritage and progress go hand in hand.’
Construction can now begin, but it’ll likely be a little while before the building is actually operable, or the basilica is open to the public. Sorry, history lovers, you might just have wait to wait a little bit longer to get a glimpse.
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