A historic 700-year-old church tower from All Hallows Staining Church is being suspended 45 feet above ground at a construction site in the City of London as part of a major development project.

The new development, expected to be completed by 2028, will include 650,000 square feet of office space, a public roof garden, underground livery hall, and modern amenities, with a focus on environmental sustainability.

A 'bottoming out' ceremony was held to mark the milestone, attended by London’s deputy mayor for business and growth, with visitors able to view the medieval structure during the event.

The project will preserve two listed buildings, including the historic church tower and Lambe's Chapel Crypt, while carefully managing construction around these heritage sites to enhance biodiversity and respect local history.

The development aims to contribute to London's ecological goals by creating one of the UK's lowest-carbon and most biodiverse high-rise towers.

Main contractor Multiplex Construction Europe, along with YardNine and Arup, is overseeing the project, which involves complex piling and excavation works.

Designed by Eric Parry Architects, the office development will surround the historic church tower without destroying it, contributing to London's sustainable financial district.

The project faced opposition from Historic Royal Palaces and Kuwait’s sovereign wealth fund over concerns about blocked views and light obstruction, but it was ultimately approved by the City of London.

Legal challenges concerning potential light obstruction to nearby buildings were raised, but the project was approved, with authorities asserting minimal environmental impact.

All Hallows Staining survived the Great Fire of London but collapsed five years later, possibly due to numerous burials at the site, with only the tower remaining today.

The development replaces an old seven-storey office and historic buildings, aiming to modernize London's financial district while preserving its heritage.