The City is getting a new free rooftop garden overlooking the Bank of England

London is getting another viewing spot — and entry will be free. A public roof garden with panoramic views of the Bank of England and Bank Junction is set to open atop No 1 Poultry, the iconic postmodern building in the heart of the City. The project concerns the well-known building designed by architect James Stirling and completed in 1997, instantly recognisable by its striped pink-and-yellow limestone façade. The Grade II–listed landmark is now set for a major refurbishment: John Robertson Architects plan to retrofit the building to net-zero standards and rethink its public spaces from the ground up.

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While a roof garden has existed here for decades, this will be the first time in nearly 30 years that it is opened to the public free of charge. Previously, the terrace formed part of the Coq d’Argent restaurant; its former interiors will be converted into offices, while the garden itself — to be known as Apex Garden — will become publicly accessible.

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Visitors can expect sweeping views over the Bank of England and the rooftops of the City. The inner circular garden will remain closed for now, though planning documents suggest it could open on selected dates for special events. Instead of a lawn, the space will feature planted pathways and landscaped paving. Access to the roof will be via the former VIP entrance, closed since 2016. The design promises step-free access: a new lift will take visitors to the fifth floor, from where the terrace can be reached by stairs or a platform lift.

The wider redevelopment also includes upgraded ground-floor retail units and refurbished office space. The plans have been submitted to the City of London, with completion currently scheduled for autumn 2027.

Cover photo: Tris2000 at English Wikipedia, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

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