The City of London Corporation has approved plans to restore and convert the Grade I-listed Custom House on Lower Thames Street into a 179-room hotel.
The scheme, which was unanimously backed by the planning committee, will see the former HMRC office redeveloped to include a spa, health centre and food and drink outlets.
The building, closed to the public for much of its history, will be opened up with community and cultural access to the Tidewaiters and Long Rooms.
As part of the development, the site’s existing car park will be replaced with a new riverside public space of around 2,400 sq m, equivalent to 12 tennis courts, providing 24/7 public access to the Thames waterfront.
The project would contribute to its ‘Destination City’ strategy, which aims to grow hotel capacity beyond the current 4,800 rooms, with 1,000 more in the planning pipeline.
Tom Sleigh, chairman of the planning and transportation committee, said: “Custom House has stood on the Thames for centuries, but for too long it has been closed to the public. These plans 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.”
