Reflections on the Talk: 85 Gracechurch Street

Architecture is at its most compelling when it not only responds to context but actively reshapes it, carrying the past into the present while opening doors to the future. Last Tuesday’s talk on 85 Gracechurch Street delivered on this, offering an inspiring glimpse into a landmark scheme that sits at the meeting point of ancient history, London’s history and forward-looking design.

Hosted by JJ Sarralde (The Townscape Consultancy and City Architecture Forum committee member), the evening brought together a distinguished panel: Ron Hertshten (Hertshten Group), James Taylor (Woods Bagot), Sophie Jackson (MOLA), and Tom Nancollas (City of London Corporation). Their perspectives gave us a layered view of a project that is as much about London’s origins as it is about its future.

A journey through design

I always appreciate when presentations take us along the journey of a design: the ambitions, the detours, and the principles that guide decisions. James Taylor walked us through the vision for 85 Gracechurch Street with clarity and enthusiasm. Some of the project’s ambitions were set out upfront: a “future classic,” a “London building,” and taking the liberty to paraphrase “a building that distinguishes itself without battling for size.” They are bold yet grounded aspirations, and throughout the talk it became clear how carefully the design team have sought to embody them.

The scheme considers questions far larger than its footprint: How can it diversify the City’s demographic? How can it rejuvenate the area around Leadenhall Market? How can it remain adaptable and relevant for future generations of workers? At the heart of it all lies a deep commitment to creating a building that is contemporary and future-facing, yet anchored in place.

A Roman foundation

Perhaps the most striking dimension of 85 Gracechurch Street is what lies beneath it. Archaeological investigations revealed the remains of London’s first Roman basilica, including the tribunal, the very heart of civic and judicial life in Roman Londinium. Sophie Jackson reminded us of its significance, suggesting this might even be the moment that set London on the path to becoming the capital we know today.

The building’s design embraces this remarkable heritage rather than shying away from it. Plans include a public exhibition space to showcase the remains, allowing visitors to descend into history before stepping out onto a new terrace with sweeping views of the modern city. A powerful juxtaposition of past and present.

Navigating planning and complexity

From a planning perspective, Tom Nancollas shed light on the scheme’s complexities. Given its sensitive location and precedent-setting scale, the project began from a challenging position. Yet through careful, collaborative dialogue between the client, design team, and planning authority, a bespoke framework was developed. The result is a “one-of-a-kind” offering that balances ambition with responsibility.

Equally important was hearing from the client, Ron Hertshten. His commitment to the project’s ambitions and his willingness to embrace the site’s challenges were clear. Rather than seeing obstacles, he and his team approached them as opportunities to deliver on a vision that values quality and longevity over shortcuts.

People at the centre

What struck me most is that the people-focused approach runs through every layer of the project. At ground level, the design introduces diverse uses that are atypical for the City, broadening the demographic and activating the public realm. Below ground, the Roman remains are treated not as a constraint but as an asset to be shared. And above ground, the office environment has been designed with wellbeing and high-quality in mind: from end-of-trip facilities brought above ground into daylight, to terraces and amenities that encourage interaction and delight.

The external architectural expression itself plays into this theme of duality: a podium that respects the cityscape at street level, topped by a markedly separated tower volume with cascading green terraces. It is a design that acknowledges its surroundings while making its own confident mark.

Closing thoughts

What emerged from the evening was more than just a presentation of a new development. It was a conversation about how architecture can hold together history, planning complexity, business ambition, and human experience, all in a single building.

It was a pleasant reminder that the most inspiring projects are those where true collaboration and unity of vision occurs at all levels. Site constraints /opportunities, ambitions, regulation and creativity, client and designer, all converge into something greater than the sum of its parts. With its rich layering of past and future, 85 Gracechurch Street is a development to look out for and that I look forward to visit once complete. One I think will not just be a workplace, but a place Londoners will be proud of, and one that has done a very good job to embody a “future classic.”