Westminster Council approves Soho Square development
Plans include new offices, retail, and 150 cycle spaces, but face opposition over an archway.
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Westminster City Council has granted approval for a substantial development encompassing four connected buildings on Soho Square. The project, which incorporates the former premises of 20th Century Fox Film Corporation, will create a complex of nearly 9,000 square metres. It is set to include new office accommodation, retail units, and a landscaped public courtyard.
Scheme Details and Features
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The development, brought forward by the Royal London UK Real Estate Fund, was approved at a committee meeting. The scheme involves an eight-storey building at 31-32 Soho Square and 65-66 Frith Street, alongside refurbishments to 22-25 Dean Street and 10 Chapone Place. The total area will expand by 2,477 square metres, with a new public courtyard to be established by Chapone Place. Existing residential flats within Townsend House will be integrated into the new development. Residents have requested noise reduction glazing for rear windows and the installation of heat pumps.
The project also includes plans for an affordable workspace for the community in the Dean Street building. A new archway entrance on Soho Square is proposed to create a pedestrian route to Dean Street. Alistair Martin, from Simten Developments, stated the project aims to provide a sustainable future for an underused part of Soho.
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Community Opposition to Archway
Despite the council's approval, the local community group and charity Soho Society has voiced opposition to the proposed archway entrance. The group argues that the archway would negatively impact the primary use of Soho Square, which is designated for "rest and recreation" under the London Squares Preservation Act 1931. Tim Lord, chairperson of the Soho Society, stated that the archway would disrupt the symmetry of the green space and alter its purpose.
Questions this report answers
+What has Westminster City Council approved for Soho Square?
Westminster City Council has approved plans for a major development on Soho Square. This includes new office and retail units, a landscaped public courtyard, and 150 long-stay cycle spaces. The scheme aims to provide a sustainable future for the area.
+What are the main features of the Soho Square development?
The development will create a complex of nearly 9,000 square metres, featuring new office and retail spaces. It will also include 150 long-stay cycle parking spots, an affordable workspace, and a new landscaped public courtyard. Existing residential flats will be incorporated.
+Why does the Soho Society oppose the development?
The Soho Society opposes a proposed archway entrance to the development. They argue it will disrupt the symmetry of Soho Square and negatively impact its designated use for 'rest and recreation', as protected under the London Squares Preservation Act 1931.
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