New photographs reveal the dramatic deconstruction of London's iconic City Hall building, designed by Foster + Partners, as workers systematically dismantle the structure that once housed the Greater London Authority (GLA) until 2021. The distinctive Thames-side building, often nicknamed "the glass egg" for its unique curved form, is currently undergoing a comprehensive transformation designed by international architecture firm Gensler.
The ambitious refurbishment project aims to significantly alter the building's original design by "fattening and straightening" the structure to accommodate new commercial and retail uses rather than its original municipal functions. Southwark Council granted approval for these extensive renovation plans in December 2024, marking the beginning of what represents one of London's most significant architectural transformations in recent years.
Visitors crossing the famous Tower Bridge or walking through Foster's More London development can now witness the remarkable sight of the former assembly building being carefully taken apart. During a recent evening visit in early October, observers could see workers removing the façade from the eastern face of the building, providing unprecedented views into the structure's upper levels and revealing the complex internal framework that had been hidden behind the original glass exterior.
The deconstruction process has already claimed some of the building's most distinctive architectural features, including the signature circular staircase, which had been removed prior to the main demolition work, according to industry sources. This marks only the second time in architectural history that a Foster + Partners building has undergone any form of demolition, with the first being the troubled Harmon Hotel project in Las Vegas, which was demolished in 2015.
Interestingly, City Hall is not the only Foster + Partners building facing major renovation in London. HSBC's 8 Canada Square in Canary Wharf is also earmarked for a similarly extensive retrofit designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), creating a notable parallel between two significant London landmarks. Both projects were originally completed in the same year, 2002, representing a milestone moment in London's architectural development at the turn of the millennium.
The decision to proceed with the demolition came after City Hall was refused heritage listing protection on two separate occasions, in 2022 and 2024, despite a determined campaign led by the Twentieth Century Society. Historic England explained their position by stating that while the building held symbolic importance as a representation of millennium-era optimism, it did not warrant statutory protection because it was less than 30 years old, falling short of the typical criteria for heritage designation.
Oli Marshall, campaigns director for the Twentieth Century Society, expressed disappointment about both the deconstruction work and the decision not to grant the building listed status. "As we celebrate the silver jubilee for many of those ambitious and optimistic projects from the turn of the new millennium that have enriched the capital, to see London's Living Room (as City Hall was originally billed) and a purpose-built home for our democracy now being demolished is a sorry sight," Marshall told reporters.
Marshall further criticized the timing of the building's alterations, noting that "the building's signature helical walkway had already been cynically ripped out last year prior to a listing assessment taking place, and ultimately being rejected." He questioned whether the building deserved such treatment, asking, "Was it in the top tier of Foster's architecture, or equal to the new Reichstag, the building with which it shared a certain design language? Perhaps not. But surely City Hall deserved better than this?"
Gensler's comprehensive mixed-use office and retail scheme, commissioned by Kuwaiti company St Martins Property, will completely transform the building's appearance and functionality. The renovation will replace City Hall's original glass façade, which Gensler described as "over-complicated," with modern green terraces featuring abundant vegetation. The ground floor will be dramatically opened up to accommodate various public uses, including cafés, retail shops, and restaurants, creating a more accessible and commercially viable space.
The architectural firm has set ambitious environmental goals for the project, aiming to achieve net zero carbon emissions and attain at least BREEAM Excellent certification, reflecting contemporary sustainability standards. St Martins Property justified the extensive renovation by explaining that a lighter touch approach was not feasible due to significant challenges built into the original design, including structural defects, water leaks throughout the building fabric, and floor plates that no longer meet modern occupancy standards.
Despite the radical changes, the developer has committed to maximizing the retention of the existing building's core structural elements, materials, and distinctive character features, including its recognizable circular footprint and sculptural form. In their design and access statement, Gensler explained that their proposal "reimagines the form of the building, maintaining the recognizable elements while correcting the issues which harm the ability to find an occupier for it."
The project has garnered support from individuals connected to the building's original development. Chris Richmond, a partner at CIT (the private equity investor that originally ran the competition won by Foster + Partners), wrote on LinkedIn: "At CIT, we have a special place in our hearts for the GLA Egg, having originally commissioned Foster's, won the GLA competition, delivered (on time and budget!) and owned the building. It sadly isn't really suitable for a non-municipal use, and the new plans are great."
Jamie Hodge, head of Earls Court Development Company, who previously worked in the building, shared similar sentiments on LinkedIn: "Reflecting on my time working on the eighth floor of what was formerly London's City Hall back in 2008. While the building had its quirks (it got hot in those little offices!), it felt a privilege to be a part of such a significant landmark, even if its time as the home of the mayor and the London Assembly has passed."
The current deconstruction phase is scheduled to continue until early 2026, at which point the site will be handed over to construction giant Mace for the rebuilding phase. The Greater London Authority vacated this prominent Thames location in 2021 as a cost-saving measure, relocating their operations to the Docklands area and WilkinsonEyre's Crystal building. Since the GLA's departure, the distinctive building has remained empty, awaiting its transformation into a new commercial and retail destination that will serve London's evolving urban landscape.
