Comments on: A New Future For The Custom House

By: Rod

Rod — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 11:44:33 +0000

Having worked in this building from 2006 until its closure last year I have great fondness for it (and I am a mere junior compared to some colleagues in ‘years served’ at CH!). I know this will be welcome news for many of officers that worked there.

By: David

David — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 11:01:50 +0000

Yes, the City of London’s planning committee unanimously rejected the proposal but not before the developer had appealed to the Planning Inspectorate, complaining that they had not reached a decision within time. Thus next week’s planning inquiry. If the developer wins, the Inspector will overturn the City’s decision and the hotel could go ahead. The London Custom House hasn’t been saved yet! It needs a better future.

By: Cherub

Cherub — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 23:23:54 +0000

Glad this is not going to be a hotel. Buildings like this can have so much valuable public use. As an example there is a fine old 19th century barracks here in Basel, it houses restaurants, a music and theatre space and space is rented out as studios to local artists and sculptors who sell their work there. Youth theatre thrives there. Part is being redeveloped into a museum and library, plus some affordable flats and offices. Before the pandemic the courtyard hosted an annual military tattoo, the precursor to Edinburgh Castle. It’s a vibrant place where locals can meet and enjoy life.

By: Chris Ashby

Chris Ashby — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 22:23:53 +0000

Great news. I’ve just sent my objection. Thanks for letting us know.
Best Wishes,
Chris Ashby.

By: Colin Cohen

Colin Cohen — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 19:16:33 +0000

I visited its library once, must have been about 1970. I wonder what became of it.

By: Lynne Perrella

Lynne Perrella — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 18:23:51 +0000

God (and the Gentle Author…….) is in the details. Naturally, I applauded the good news imparted in this post — but I got stuck on the vintage image of the hubbub inside the building and could easily imagine the nattering chatter, the whispered asides, the bragging exclamations and boasts, the rumors, jokes, and collegial gaiety. Dare I say, the acoustics in such a vast space would double/triple the volume. But most of all, I love the artist’s depiction of the light streaming into the space — almost like a celestial omen that some good news would befall this amazing building, in the auspicious year of (gulp) 2022. This building seems to be “one for the ages”, and thank goodness it is being treated with regard.

Thanks for this hopeful news today, GA. I needed that.

By: Anne-Marie Marriott

Anne-Marie Marriott — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 18:08:59 +0000

Congratulations! This is fantastic news.

By: Ken Powell

Ken Powell — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 15:47:59 +0000

Congratulations to the City for rejecting a highly inappropriate use for this great public building. Somerset House shows the way forward. Let’s hope the government rejects the appeal and opens the way for a new use/uses of public benefit.

By: Jennifer Newbold

Jennifer Newbold — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 12:35:06 +0000

Huzzah!! After the crushing disappointments of the Truman Brewery and the Whitechapel Bell Foundry, I didn’t hold out much hope. How delightful to be wrong, in this case!

I know that there is still a long way to go, but this is a wonderful development!

By: Ann V

Ann V — Thu, 13 Jan 2022 10:41:02 +0000

Excellent news Gentle Author. Simply brilliant!