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If you walk past Custom House, a gorgeous Grade I listed building right on the Thames, today you’ll probably notice the bright blue railings that fence it off before you even see its impressive columns and stone facade. The former governmental office has been kept away from public access for years now, with passers-by relegated to a narrow, flood-prone stretch of pavement – but all that is about to change.
Planning permission has just been granted by the City of London to turn the disused building into a massive luxury hotel, and to open up the riverside space outside it to the public.
Proposals for renovation were originally submitted back in 2022, but they were rejected on the grounds that they could potentially damage the Grade I listed structure. Developers Jastar Capital have now taken this into consideration, and the new plans, revealed back in April, will pay attention to maintaining the building’s historical elements.
The hotel will have 179 rooms, a restaurant, a spa, sauna, steam room, and health centre, as well as dedicated community spaces which can be booked out – at times for free – to local groups.
The biggest change for those working or living nearby will be the Thames-side plaza set to be created outside Custom House. At present, a lengthy stretch of railing cuts off what was an employee car park from a public walkway. The newly approved plans will do away with the barriers and turn the space into a Thames-side plaza for everyone to enjoy. This will include a new café and plenty more room to walk, cycle, or sit by the water.
Historic England, which is working with the City of London Corporation to ensure any developments respect the history of the site, also noted that opening back up the quayside was ‘particularly welcome, and something we have encouraged for some time’.
Tom Sleigh, the City of London chairman responsible for reviewing and approving planning permission applications, said that the proposal will ‘not only give the building a new lease of life, but will open its doors, as well as the riverfront, to Londoners and visitors alike’.
He added: ‘The project is a shining example of how the City can honour its history while creating new spaces that people can enjoy every day’.
A representative from Historic England also supported the plans, saying: ‘Custom House has long been a sleeping giant of a building, its potential as a new destination for London lying untapped.
‘We think this scheme has the potential to secure the future of an extraordinary building, introduce its grandeur to new audiences, and re-energise this part of the Thames.’
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