Iconic London landmark could become luxury hotel with 179 rooms and a spa

6 hours ago 1

Previous plans to develop London’s Custom House have been rejected (Picture: Martin Berry/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

A grand building on the banks of the River Thames could soon be London’s latest luxury hotel.

For 200 year, it was where merchants paid tariffs to import and export good flowing through the capital of the British Empire. But the Custom House is now quiet.

While tariffs are in vogue again now Donald Trump is US President, this Grade I listed property on Lower Thames Street hasn’t played a part since 2021, when HM Revenue & Customs left the Grade I listed building.

Now it could be gearing up for a different kind of trade – hospitality.

Plans to ‘bring this iconic London landmark back to life’ have been submitted to City of London Corporation.

This is despite a previous redevelopment being knocked back in 2022.

Real estate company Jastar Capital – which bought it in 2023 — hopes to turn it into a hotel with a spa, café and restaurant, with food and drinks served in the former King’s Warehouse.

Iconic London building could soon become luxury hotel Orms unveils fresh hotel proposals for Custom House

Plans promise new windows, a spa, and public access all year – but will it deliver (Picture: Orms/Secchi Smith)

Jay Matharu of Jastar Capital said: ‘As long-term custodians, we are thrilled to put forward our plans to revitalise Custom House with welcoming community spaces, a heritage-focused hotel, elegant event spaces, exceptional dining experiences, a dedicated spa, and a dynamic quayside.

‘We extend our sincere thanks to all the stakeholders who have helped shape this exciting proposal which will bring this iconic London landmark back to life.’

Among the blasts from the past could be ‘the reinstatement of window awnings in a historically faithful style to provide passive solar shading to the façade while returning a period feature of the design’.

Plans have been drawn up by Orms and Richard Griffiths Architects, with consulting from Montagu Evans.

Kate Falconer Hall, of Montagu Evans, said: ‘The proposals will open up the most historically important parts of the Custom House, sensitively upgrading them for access whilst undertaking beneficial enhancements to the building’s fabric – to include the restoration and repair of significant architectural features and a scholarly paint scheme based on Smirke’s 19th century interior.’