British Land submits plans for London landmark Mayfair scheme

British Land has submitted a planning application to Westminster Council for a major new 193,500 sq. ft. mixed use scheme following its acquisition of the Clarges Estate last year. The site totals almost one acre bounding London’s Piccadilly and includes residential, offices and retail. Planning consent for an earlier scheme was granted in April 2011 but the new plans mean the development’s office element will be re-modelled from 91,000 sq. ft. to 47,500 sq. ft to sit on the ground floor and six upper floors with facades to Clarges Street and Bolton Street.

Tim Roberts, Head of Offices for British Land, said: “This is a complex project involving detailed site assembly and reconfiguration, but our core development skills have delivered an exciting outcome for this important area of London.

“We are big backers of London, and this is a rare opportunity to develop a freehold Mayfair site for a structurally under-supplied market as well as reinforcing British Land’s growing strength in London’s West End.”

The Kennel Club, whose current home is on Clarges Street, will now occupy a 27,000 sq. ft. new-build development rather than the 20,000 sq. ft. refurbished property envisaged in the original proposal. This follows the agreement with The Kennel Club, announced in March 2013, to amend and improve the original scheme.

Architect Squire & Partners’ overall concept is designed to replace the 1960’s floorspace with highly efficient modern accommodation which optimises natural light and enhances this conservation area.

Subject to planning consent, demolition would start in 2013/2014, with phased completion leading up to 2017.

By Sara Bean