SAVE Britain’s Heritage has welcomed the recommendation by City of London planners to refuse plans to convert the Custom House and quayside to an exclusive hotel complex. With a planning committee decision due next week, SAVE has written to councillors supporting the City’s position and arguing that public access to this grand River Thames landmark is critical to protecting its historic significance and future use.
The City of London planning report cites four key grounds for refusing the plans, including insufficient public access to the building and quayside terrace, heritage harm, poor design, and harm to strategic views from the rooftop extensions proposed. The report states that “Officers consider that the scheme does not respond to, and build upon, its key riverside location” and that, “The scheme would not enhance public access or provide a genuinely publicly accessible and inclusive scheme that would bring diverse vibrancy to the riverside.”
John Burrell’s alternative vision, published by SAVE in October 2020, illustrated how the Custom House could be given a more public role. Included in the report is a cross section drawing by John showing the Long Room opened up for public events and new connections created between the lower floors and vast basements. New public space on the River Thames is transformed with the historic ship SS Robin moored alongside and open to visitors.
Marcus Binney, executive president of SAVE Britain’s Heritage, says: “The spacious river terrace, opening directly on to the Thames, boasts spectacular views of Tower Bridge and the Southbank. This once great public space has in recent years been a private carpark for HM Customs, but now there is a chance to reopen it to the public again in perpetuity. London's Square Mile needs more open sunlit space and this south facing terrace will never be overshadowed by high-rise development as it is right on the river."
Henrietta Billings, director of SAVE Britain’s Heritage, says: “The Custom House is one of England’s forgotten architectural treasures. It tells a remarkable story about the country’s history of trade and exchange. After over 200 years in public hands as the home of HMRC, it is set for a new lease of life. This is a once in a generation opportunity to re-open the magnificent inside and outside riverside spaces to the public.”
Burrell Foley Fischer has previously worked with SAVE on visionary schemes for Smithfield General Market and the south side of the Aldwych around St Mary le Strand to create new public space.
The full SAVE report entitled The Custom House by John Burrell can be downloaded here.