The comprehensive transformation of a major site on London’s Oxford Street, designed by KPF, has received the green light from Westminster City Council.
The Strategic Planning Committee unanimously resolved to grant planning permission for the scheme at its meeting last night.
The redevelopment, designed by KPF for Berkeley Estate Asset Management (BEAM), involves the former BHS and UAL College of Fashion site. The plans will deliver state-of-the-art office accommodation, flagship retail units, and flexible cultural space.
The design strategically combines innovative retrofitting with new construction, retaining over half of the existing structure. This approach aligns directly with Westminster City Council’s emerging ‘retrofit-first’ policy and serves as a strong guardian of embodied carbon. The completed building will be fully electric and net-zero aligned, and will feature over 1,000 cycle parking spaces, underpinning its commitment to environmental sustainability.
The new workplace environment is intended to attract top talent and support high levels of productivity, wellbeing, and sustainability. Key features include nearly 23,000 sq ft of terraces offering panoramic views across London.
John Bushell, KPF Principal, expressed his delight at the decision: “We are delighted to have received unanimous planning approval for 33 Cavendish Square. This development will be a distinctive expression of everything that makes the West End exceptional: world-class retail on one of the world’s most iconic shopping streets, cultural spaces designed to host events from major product launches to conferences, and contemporary workspaces that continue to attract and inspire leading businesses. It will enhance the area’s long-standing reputation for creativity, commerce and culture, delivering lasting benefits for businesses, residents and visitors alike.”
Mr Bushell further detailed the design philosophy: “33 Cavendish Square is a thoroughly modern building, designed to resonate with the best of the large buildings along Oxford Street, responding to their composition, scale and materiality. We carried out extensive analysis of the existing buildings to create a scheme that restores a coherent urban form and is an exemplary guardian of embodied carbon. This comprehensive agenda of keeping, adding to, improving, and reimagining the existing building has been an exciting process with a very productive dialogue with Westminster Planning officers and a wide expert team. At KPF, we believe this approach will play an increasingly significant part in the renewal of cities. 33 Cavendish Square will become a powerful exemplar of what this approach can achieve.”
Construction works are currently anticipated to begin in 2029, with the development slated for completion in 2033.
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