The Bold New Developer Disrupting London’s Property Scene with No 1 Poultry Retrofit
A fresh force is entering London’s property world. MORE, a dynamic new developer founded by architect Ben Cross and real estate innovator Basil Demeroutis, is set to lead the ambitious retrofit of No 1 Poultry James Stirling’s iconic, Grade II*-listed postmodern landmark in the City of London. This project promises not just an upgrade, but a reinvention of how heritage buildings can meet today’s sustainability and community needs.
MORE calls itself a disruptor, determined to overturn the outdated norms of property development. Where many projects have fallen into patterns of costly excess and risk-aversion, MORE champions smarter, leaner, and truly innovative approaches. With more than £1.4 billion of retrofit experience between them, Cross and Demeroutis are reimagining what a building can do combining environmental responsibility with financial and social value.
The challenge is considerable. No 1 Poultry is celebrated for its bold, quirky design but was nearly lost to redevelopment until the Twentieth Century Society stepped in to secure its Grade II* protection. Now, MORE plans to embrace those architectural idiosyncrasies, bringing new life to the building’s energy systems without diluting its character.
This retrofit is about more than just preservation; it’s about redefining how historic spaces serve modern communities. By blending cutting-edge technology with respect for heritage, MORE aims to set a new industry standard, one where sustainability and innovation go hand in hand with architectural integrity.
As discussions continue with key stakeholders including WeWork and conservation groups, the spotlight is on MORE to deliver a project that could inspire a wave of thoughtful, forward-thinking development across London and beyond.
With MORE at the helm, the future of No 1 Poultry looks set to be a powerful example of how disruption in property development can unlock new potential for both people and the planet.
