The architectural firm Jamie Fobert has developed plans for a new entrance to the Tower of London as part of a broader program to enhance visitor experiences at the UNESCO World Heritage site.
The proposals, submitted to the Tower Hamlets council last month, involve replacing the old guard booths at the main entrance with modern structures.
The entrance to the 11th-century tower, one of the UK’s most popular tourist attractions, is currently marked by two late 20th-century guard booths and two temporary pavilions that have stood there for the past eight years.
These structures, located by the Middle Tower, are often the first impression for visitors, who can number up to 13,000 per day during peak hours.
Historic Royal Palaces, which oversees the project, described the booths as “noticeably worn” and “unsuitable for use,” while the pavilions were called “aesthetic inadequacies given the importance of the landmark.”
Tower historic buildings curator Alden Gregory noted that the existing entrance “does not meet the status of a World Heritage Site and detracts from the overall visitor experience.”
Jamie Fobert said the reimagining of the entrance is a “rare opportunity” to create a design that is “of its time” while honoring the site’s historic significance.
The new proposals feature two circular ticket booths inspired by the round towers and defensive structures of the castle. The booths will be modern in form and materials, not copies of the historic architecture.
Protective fencing and ground coverings installed in 2004 will also be removed.
This plan replaces the 2018 approval for a design by Austin-Smith:Lord, as visitor needs and security requirements have evolved.
Ticket scanning will now take place earlier and separately from security screening to improve visitor flow.
The project also involves firms Purcell (heritage impact assessment) and The Planning Lab (planning consultancy).
The Tower of London is the most visited attraction of Historic Royal Palaces, accounting for 70% of its income. The new entrance is part of the ambitious “Tower 2030” development program aimed at improving visitor experience and modernizing facilities.