Royal Mint Court

Royal Mint Court is a location in east London, near the Tower of London and Tower Bridge, that formerly housed the headquarters of the Royal Mint, Britain's coin maker. It is now newsworthy because the British government has approved its use as the site for a vast new Chinese embassy complex, often referred to as a 'mega embassy'. This decision, made by Housing Minister Steve Reed, concludes a saga that began in 2018 when China purchased the site. The planned embassy, spanning roughly 700,000 sq ft, is intended to replace the existing Chinese embassy in central London. However, the approval has faced opposition, with residents of Royal Mint Court planning a legal challenge due to concerns about security, potential government interference, and the impact on political exiles. The decision's timing is also significant, potentially paving the way for a visit to China by Prime Minister Keir Starmer.