City of London Corporation cuts Migration Museum space, adds 33 student rooms
Revised plans give the museum two floors instead of three and increase student accommodation to 815 rooms at 65 Crutched Friars
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The City of London Corporation approved revised plans for the new 21‑storey block at 65 Crutched Friars on 24 July 2026. The changes reduce the Migration Museum’s space from three floors to two and create 33 additional student rooms on level two. The decision affects the museum’s permanent, rent‑free home that had been promised for 60 years.
Background to the development
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Developer Dominus proposed the mixed‑use tower in 2023, offering the museum a rent‑free lease in exchange for student accommodation. The original scheme allocated three floors to the museum and 782 student rooms. Corporation officers recommended the amendment, arguing that the museum would still provide a significant public cultural use.
Laurie Boult, chief executive of the Migration Museum, said the decision gave the organisation "certainty" that the project could move forward, as reported by the BBC. Charles Gurassa, chair of the museum’s Board of Trustees, added that the new site would still be about 40% larger than the museum’s previous temporary location.
"The decision gave us certainty that we can proceed with the project"
Laurie Boult, chief executive, Migration Museum
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Impact on the museum and students
Reducing the museum’s allocation by one floor means the exhibition space will be smaller than originally planned, but the museum will still occupy two full floors. The additional 33 rooms raise the total student accommodation to 815, addressing a shortage of university housing in the City.
Jay Ahluwalia, principal director at Dominus, said the developer worked with the museum to produce the revised proposals, as reported by the BBC. He noted that the changes balance cultural and residential needs within the tower.
Next steps
The revised scheme now proceeds to the construction phase. The museum will finalise interior layouts for its two floors while the developer prepares the additional student units. Residents and students will be consulted during detailed design, and the corporation will monitor compliance with the rent‑free lease terms.
Questions this report answers
+What change was approved for the Migration Museum’s space?
The City of London Corporation approved a revision that reduces the museum’s allocation from three floors to two in the new 21‑storey block at 65 Crutched Friars. The museum will still have two full floors for public exhibitions.
+How many student rooms were added and what is the new total?
The revised plans add 33 student rooms on level two, raising the total number of rooms in the development to 815. This increase aims to meet growing demand for student housing in central London.
+How many corporation members voted in favour of the revised plans?
Thirteen of the fifteen City of London Corporation members present at the meeting voted in favour of the revised scheme. Two members either abstained or voted against the changes.
+What does the reduction mean for the museum’s future?
The museum will occupy two floors instead of three, meaning a smaller exhibition footprint than originally planned. However, museum leaders say the new site still offers about 40% more space than their previous temporary location and provides a secure, rent‑free lease for 60 years.
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