Plans for a new tower at 85 Gracechurch Street are set for a revision to highlight a significant archaeological find, identified as a “monumental piece of London’s history,” following the discovery of a Roman structure.
Archaeologists have uncovered the remnants of a Roman basilica—an ancient public space around 2,000 years old where key political, economic, and administrative activities took place—beneath the existing office block scheduled for demolition.
The excavation has so far revealed sections of limestone walls that formed the foundation of the basilica.
Hertshten Properties, the site’s owner, already possesses the necessary approvals to construct a 32-storey tower, but plans will now be adjusted to incorporate the Roman heritage presentation.
The remains will be featured in an immersive exhibit created in collaboration with the London Museum, targeting an opening date around 2029-2030.
Hertshten Properties expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to present “such a monumental piece of London’s history.”
The exhibition is envisioned as a “world-class public experience” for visitors, according to Rob Hertshten, the firm’s CEO.
Additionally, the developer intends to lower the height of the proposed tower to 30 stories, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
The new building, positioned across from the historic Leadenhall Market, will encompass office spaces, retail shops, and cultural areas.
Previous assessments at the location had hinted at the basilica’s presence, but it was the recent excavations conducted by the Museum of London Archaeology that brought it to light.
Experts believe this basilica is the earliest of its kind in Roman London, dating back to the late 70s or 80s AD.
This structure would have been part of a broader Roman forum—a central venue for political, judicial, commercial, and social interactions for both locals and visitors.
Sophie Jackson, the director of development at the Museum of London Archaeology, remarked that this is “one of the most significant discoveries made in the City in recent years.”
She compared the find to uncovering the Speaker’s Chair and the House of Commons chamber 2,000 years into the future.
Ms. Jackson noted that the structure is in much better condition than they had anticipated and that further discoveries at the site are likely.
“Excitingly, we’ve barely begun to tap into this site’s potential through our initial investigations,” she concluded.
