The Arch Company
Findlater’s Corner

Rediscovering Findlater’s Corner – A unique railway arch restoration

ITC were appointed to refurbish Findlater’s Corner, a key site within The Arch Company’s £200m nationwide plan to bring a thousand empty and derelict spaces back into use by 2030, Project 1000.

ITC completed the restoration and redevelopment of four railway arches, including Findlater’s Corner; transforming this site of historical significance, back to its former glory.

Uncovering Findlater’s Corner’s historic past

The iconic Edwardian Baroque revival frontage of the former wine merchants Findlater’s Mackie & Todd has been carefully restored to reveal this hidden architectural gem. Working with Restore London, detailed surveys, samples and restoration works were carried out to the clock with its ceramic stag’s head, the stonework and the glazed faience façade.

The clock was famously stuck at 11:47 for decades, until 2012 when the then-Mayor of London Boris Johnson reportedly ordered it to be repaired so it could assist his timekeeping on his cycle ride to his offices at City Hall. The clock has now been fully restored, with new glass and hands by clockmaker Gillet & Johnston.

A particularly interesting heritage revelation was the discovery of the Express Dairy mosaic by artist Jesse Rust, which was a surprise detail uncovered during the works. The mosaic celebrates the Express Dairy parlour, where Londoners would gather to drink or purchase fresh milk delivered on the trains from the countryside.

Bringing derelict arches back in to use

ITC renovated the internal arch spaces and basements, and built new shop fronts to create four new units for retail and restaurant businesses to rent.

The existing concrete floors slabs at ground and basement levels. Some were lowered to install a concrete raft at basement floor level. A structural steel framework was installed, to support the mezzanine floors.