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London has so many ornate, gorgeous historic buildings that you likely walk past plenty every day without giving them a second thought. Take Custom House in the City, for instance. A long, grandiose Georgian-era building on the Thames’ north bank, the Grade I-listed structure played an important role in London becoming a global trade hub.
Custom House was most recently occupied by HMRC, who vacated the building in 2021, and it was bought by real estate company Jastar Capital through a subsidiary in 2023. This week Jastar has formally submitted plans to turn the 200-plus-year-old structure into a luxury hotel.
The plans would see Custom House transformed into a 179-room hotel with a spa and areas for eating and drinking. Rooms will be in the building’s east and west wings, while a spa and health centre – with pool, sauna and steam room – are intended for the basement.
Details on the hotel aspect of the redevelopment are currently a bit thin on the ground, but the plans also include lots of stuff for the general public. Current proposals include giving Londoners access to Custom House’s historic vaults, and a space that can be booked out by schools, charities and ‘arts/cultural/educational organisations’. There would also be a new café and a public quayside space, opening up more of the Thames Path.
It’s worth noting that these plans are far from a done deal. A previous planning application to turn Custom House into a hotel was rejected in 2022.
Jastar Capital’s Jay Matharu said the plans would ‘bring this iconic London landmark back to life’.
He said: ‘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.’
You can find out more (and see preview imagery) on the Custom House hotel website here.
Time Out’s guide to the best hotels in London.
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