Historic London Church Tower Suspended During 50 Fenchurch Construction

London, UK – September 28, 2025: In one of the most complex engineering and preservation efforts ever undertaken in the city, a 700-year-old church tower in central London has been temporarily suspended high above the ground to allow for the construction of a major new skyscraper at 50 Fenchurch Street.

The medieval Tower of All Hallows Staining, one of the few surviving structures from pre-Great Fire London, is being carefully elevated while excavation and foundational work take place below. The project represents a fusion of modern development and historic preservation, setting a new benchmark for how heritage sites can be integrated into urban growth.

A Feat of Engineering

Engineers have raised the historic church tower 14 metres above ground level, placing it on a temporary steel frame while they remove more than 125,000 tonnes of earth from the site. This extraordinary measure enables the construction of the new tower’s deep foundations without disturbing the fragile medieval structure.

Once the excavation is complete, the tower will be carefully lowered onto a permanent concrete plinth, where it will become the focal point of a new public square at the heart of the development.

Project leaders have described the process as a “never-before-seen engineering achievement” that balances London’s architectural heritage with the demands of modern commercial real estate.

The New 50 Fenchurch Street Development

The development is being led by AXA IM Alts, which secured a 250-year lease on the site from The Clothworkers’ Company, a historic London livery company. Designed by Eric Parry Architects, the 36-storey building will provide approximately 650,000 square feet of premium office space, alongside retail areas and publicly accessible spaces.

A signature element of the project will be a public rooftop garden, offering expansive views of the London skyline. This will provide an urban oasis for workers and visitors, further enhancing the development’s integration with the surrounding community.

Sustainability is at the forefront of the design, with vertical landscaping, eco-friendly building systems, and green infrastructure incorporated throughout. The development also includes plans to restore and showcase Lambe’s Chapel Crypt, a historic medieval site that will be made accessible to the public via lift access.

Balancing History and Modern Growth

The careful treatment of the Tower of All Hallows Staining demonstrates a growing commitment to preserving cultural landmarks within London’s rapidly modernizing financial district. By raising the church tower rather than demolishing or relocating it, the project team is ensuring that the city’s history remains visible and celebrated.

Once complete, the restored tower will act as a central feature of a new public square, creating a unique space where old and new meet. The surrounding public realm will include landscaped areas, seating, and pathways, encouraging community engagement and foot traffic.

Timeline and Impact

Construction is expected to continue through the coming years, with the entire project slated for completion by 2028. In addition to providing modern office and retail space, the development is expected to boost employment opportunities and stimulate economic activity in the City of London.

The scheme reflects a broader trend in urban development, where heritage conservation and commercial growth are carefully balanced. By integrating historic structures like the Tower of All Hallows Staining into new construction, developers and city planners aim to create vibrant, sustainable urban environments that respect the past while embracing the future.

An Iconic Future Landmark

When completed, 50 Fenchurch Street will stand as a symbol of innovation and preservation, showcasing how engineering ingenuity can safeguard historical architecture while delivering state-of-the-art modern spaces.

The suspended church tower, once a relic of medieval London, will become a centerpiece of contemporary city life, demonstrating that progress and heritage can coexist in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.