The 50 Fenchurch Street project suspends the historic All Hallows Staining church tower during construction in London, lifting the 700-year-old structure about 45 feet above ground while excavation continues below. Engineers placed the medieval tower on steel stilts to protect its fragile stonework as crews removed more than 125,000 tonnes of earth for the new development. This unusual maneuver allows work to progress without dismantling the landmark, ensuring it can later return to its original position at street level.

Once excavation is complete, the tower will be carefully lowered and integrated into a landscaped public square at the base of the new 36-story office building. The project also relocates Lambe’s Chapel Crypt, which will be restored and made publicly accessible. By balancing large-scale commercial development with the preservation of heritage fabric, the 50 Fenchurch Street project highlights how London’s evolving skyline can continue to respect its layered history.

Image Credit: Amy Peacock