Migration Museum given less space at 65 Crutched Friars

London's Migration Museum will be given a third less space than originally agreed in a new 21-storey block, to allow for more student accommodation.

The museum, which explores how movement to and from the UK shapes the nation, was offered a permanent rent-free home for 60 years at 65 Crutched Friars in the City of London under a scheme by developer Dominus.

In plans approved in 2023, the museum was given three floors. But on Wednesday, City of London Corporation members signed off on revised plans for two floors for the museum.

Laurie Boult, chief executive of the museum, said the decision gave them "certainty" that it could proceed with the project.

During the meeting, some corporation members raised concerns about the revised plans.

The Migration Museum has moved between a series of temporary sites since it was founded in 2011.

The revised scheme at 65 Crutched Friars reduces the museum's space by one floor in favour of an additional 33 student rooms on level two, bringing the total number to 815.

Corporation officers had recommended the changes be approved, and said that the museum space would "remain a significant and publicly accessible cultural use".

Jay Ahluwalia, principal director at Dominus, said they had worked with the Migration Museum on the revised proposals.

Charles Gurassa, chair of the Board of Trustees at the Migration Museum, said that even with the reduction, the new site would offer about 40% more space than the museum's previous temporary home.

The application was approved by members, with all but two of the 15 present voting in favour.

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Museum space may be cut for more student rooms