The City of London has unanimously approved our plans to transform Grade I listed landmark Custom House (26-0). The plans will sensitively restore the historic Custom House, transforming it into a high-quality, 179-bed hotel with extensive restaurants and bars, one of the City’s best event venues, a leading spa and riverside terraces and a new public quayside with 160 metres of direct river frontage.

“This decision grants a new lease of life to the Custom House, setting the scene for a unique hotel experience in one of London’s finest Georgian buildings, located in one of the most significant riverside sites in the City. At the heart of our proposals is a new 2,880 square metre Thames-side public space, accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This space enhances the Thames Path and directly supports the Pool of London Key Area vision, delivering a new space in front of the Custom House for all Londoners. Custom House has witnessed London's evolution for centuries. Our proposals ensure that it continues to serve the City not as a museum piece, but as a living, accessible part of London's heritage fabric and Destination City vision. Throughout the process we’ve enjoyed productive dialogue with the many stakeholders invested in preserving and celebrating this building by bringing it back into use.”

- Elyse Howell-Price, Associate Director and Historic Buildings Specialist at Orms

Custom House is one of the City of London’s most significant Grade I listed buildings, proudly overlooking the River Thames. Built over 200 years ago, it stands as a rare example of Regency architecture and an enduring symbol of London’s trading history.

"Custom House has long been a sleeping giant of a building, its potential as a new destination for London lying untapped. We've worked closely with the applicants and the City of London Corporation to get these plans just right. The decision to approve the proposals will enable a really exciting transformation of one of London's most impressive Georgian buildings, giving it a new lease of life while also respecting its significance as a Grade I listed building. The opening up of the riverside and creation of a new public space is particularly welcome, and something we have encouraged for some time. 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."

- Tom Foxall, Regional Director at Historic England