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Chinese super embassy plan edges closer to go-ahead

by DD Staff

January 27, 2025

The Johnson Smirke building at the Royal Mint Court site would be at the front of the new Chinese embassy complex in London

key takeaways

The military had previously expressed worries about controlling possible demonstrations that would spread to the nearby Tower of London and the bustling streets surrounding the monument.

However, after Chancellor Rachel Reeves returned from a trip to Beijing and Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged that he had asked ministers to call in the scheme after speaking with President Xi, the Met has since shifted its stance.

Due to the abrupt change, Tower Hamlets council was compelled to drop its opposition to the plans for the location close to the Tower of London, which may pave the way for the embassy's acceptance.

A joint letter from Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper to the chief planning inspector two weeks ago reveals the U-turn.

It states: “The Metropolitan Police had previously raised concerns regarding the ability of the site to accommodate protests.

“We have since been informed that, following the Tower Hamlets Strategic Planning Committee on 9th December 2024, further technical detail was provided regarding the ability of the surrounding pavements and spaces to accommodate protests.

“Whilst there remain differences of opinion on where protesters would most likely congregate, on balance, the Metropolitan Police’s public order experts are content that there is sufficient space for future protests without significantly impacting the adjacent road network. The Metropolitan Police have therefore withdrawn their objection to the application.”

The planning inspector will hold a short inquiry next month ahead of passing her recommendation to Homes and Communities Secretary Angela Rayner for a final decision on whether to give Government consent.

China submitted a second application just after the Labour Government came to power following an earlier rejection by London’s Tower Hamlets back in December 2022.

The latest revised plan introduces some small-scale adjustments to the height of new buildings in the 600,000 sq ft embassy complex.

The vast project designed by David Chipperfield Architects includes not only a big embassy building but also 225 residences in a long seven-storey building and a cultural exchange centre.

It involves refurbishing the listed Johnson Smirke and overhauling the existing Seaman’s Registry. The rest of the size will require large-scale demolition of two buildings to make way for new residences.

Among the client profession team contractor BCEGI UK is advising on construction management.