Royal London Asset Management and Simten have secured planning consent for the redevelopment of 31–32 Soho Square and neighbouring buildings at 65–66 Frith Street, 10 Chapone Place and 22–25 Dean Street.
The approved plans for the site, which includes the former headquarters of 20th Century Fox at 31–32 Soho Square, combine retention and refurbishment with targeted redevelopment to provide high quality, flexible workspace and improved public realm and retail space.
The scheme will comprise approximately 55,000 sq ft of high specification, flexible office space, new restaurant space fronting onto Frith Street and Dean Street, approximately 3,000 sq ft of affordable workspace at 22–25 Dean Street and dedicated workspace for small and medium-sized businesses at 10 Chapone Place.
Philippa Lambert, investment manager at Royal London Asset Management, said: “We welcome Westminster City Council’s decision to approve our proposals for this important site in the heart of Soho. Our ambition is to create high quality workspace and welcoming public spaces that respect Soho’s unique character and support its long-term vibrancy. The approved scheme will deliver significant economic, public and social benefits, including new jobs, affordable workspace and a new public space. We thank everyone who has helped shape the proposals and are delighted with the outcome.”
Al Martin, director at Simten, added: “This has been a long and intensive process, and we’re extremely pleased that the committee has recognised the merits of the scheme. We have carefully tested the options to find a scheme that demonstrably delivers the optimal set of planning outcomes, whilst at the same time positively responding to the market.
“The result combines sensitive refurbishment with targeted redevelopment, delivering strong whole-life carbon performance alongside significant economic and public benefits. Through extensive work with Westminster’s planning officers, we’ve arrived at a considered, deliverable scheme that will make a positive contribution to Soho for many years to come.”
