Bow Bells House EC2
Securing planning permission for this important historic site allowed ancient treasures to be uncovered
Proposals for the redevelopment of this site were bogged down in the planning process until Stanhope was engaged to help.
We carried out a re-appraisal of the design, suggesting alterations to allow a lighter and more sympathetic development that met with the approval of the Corporation of London.
The Bread Street site of Bow Bells House is rich in history. Christopher Wren's famous St Paul's Cathedral can be seen from the new building, while St Mary-le-Bow stands next door.
Extensive archaeological investigations were required, and uncovered a first century Roman gravel quarry, as well as evidence of buildings, Roman pottery and large amounts of broken glass. A piece of moulded Roman glass featuring a relief of Hercules and his lover was the most significant find and is now available for public viewing at the Museum of London.
To limit the amount of archaeological disturbance we re-used the existing building foundations, a decision that also reduced costs as well as the development's carbon footprint.
The development funded the remodelling of the popular churchyard at St Mary-le-Bow.
Bow Bells House has been designed to offer maximum flexibility. Rectangular, clear, uninterrupted floorplates support corporate, financial trading and legal uses. Striking climate wall facades feature 4.5m triple-glazed panels, while traditional Portland stone offsets the glazing and contributes to an efficient, sustainable building. Outdoor terraces offer views of St Pauls and St Mary-le-Bow.
A public thoroughfare leading to Bow churchyard has been widened and relocated to pass through the heart of Bow Bells House, bringing the office, retail and public realm together.
