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The 700-year-old Tower of All Hallows Staining Church in the City of London is being carefully preserved on stilts amid a \u00a3400 million development, showcasing innovative engineering to harmonise history and modern architecture.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
A remarkable feat of engineering is underway in the City of London as the 700-year-old Tower of All Hallows Staining Church has been suspended 45 feet above the ground on stilts, allowing major excavations for a new skyscraper at 50 Fenchurch Street. This grade I-listed medieval tower, dating from around 1320, is being preserved amid a \u00a3400 million development project led by developer Axa IM Alts and designed by Eric Parry Architects. The project involves excavating and piling beneath the tower to enable the construction of a 36-storey office building scheduled for completion in 2028.<\/p>\n
The tower, which is the sole surviving element of the original church and survived the Great Fire of London in 1666 before partially collapsing in 1671, is now prominently suspended above a 60,000 square foot excavation site. This innovative approach enables contractor Multiplex to carry out vital groundwork, performed by Keltbray, without damaging the historic structure. Over 125,000 tonnes of earth have been removed as part of the excavation for the development, which will encompass a 650,000 square foot office tower complemented by retail spaces, a public roof garden, winter garden, and a new public area centred around the preserved church.<\/p>\n
In addition to the Tower of All Hallows Staining, the project preserves the nearby grade II-listed Lambe\u2019s Chapel Crypt, dating from 1200, which will be restored underneath the new office tower. The development aims to integrate these historic assets into modern public realm, reflecting a sensitive design philosophy that allows the new building to dwarf the ancient structures without destroying them. Speaking at a “bottoming out” ceremony celebrating the completion of major excavation, Howard Dawber, deputy mayor of London for business and growth, praised the project as a “remarkable” milestone, underscoring its importance as a flagship development for the capital.<\/p>\n
The 150-metre tower will be a striking addition to the City skyline, particularly visible from the south side of the Thames. Architectural features include a vertical green wall, bespoke ceramic cladding at ground level, crafted glass detailing on upper levels, and extensive greenery throughout the building. The tenth floor will feature internal and external gardens designed by DSDHA, with more than 40 planted balconies and terraces cultivating over 70 species of plants, enhancing the project’s environmental credentials.<\/p>\n
The comprehensive project team comprises Multiplex as the main contractor, YardNine as the development manager, Third London Wall as project manager, QS Core Five, and M&E consultant Arup. Workman is responsible for development monitoring, ensuring the construction adheres to stringent preservation and building standards.<\/p>\n
The daring suspension of All Hallows Staining Church on steel stilts is not only a bold emblem of collaboration between historic preservation and modern urban development but also a visible symbol of London\u2019s capacity to honour its past while building for the future.<\/p>\n