A derelict 1980s office building overlooking the River Thames in West London has been granted a new lease of life, with unanimous planning approval secured to transform it into a modern 45-bed care home.
From Empty Offices to Specialist Care
Chivas House, a five-storey block that has stood empty since 2019, is located just a ten-minute walk from Hammersmith station within the Fulham Reach Conservation Area. The care home provider, KYN Devco, in partnership with PPR Estates, submitted the proposals which were unanimously approved by Hammersmith and Fulham Council's Planning and Development Control Committee.
David Roe, Group Origination and Development Director at KYN, stated the team enthusiastically "look forward to developing the designs in detail prior to construction starting next year." The site, facing the popular Thames Path and opposite the Fulham Reach Boat Club, will see a tired office space revitalised into a much-needed community facility.
Inside the New Care Facility
According to the planning officer's report, the new care home will offer comprehensive specialist facilities. The plans include:
- 45 ensuite bedrooms for all residents.
- Communal lounges and dining areas for socialising.
- 24-hour care and nursing provision.
- Specialist healthcare accommodation, including for people living with dementia.
The project will primarily focus on adapting and reusing the existing building structure, retaining the current framework rather than demolishing it. This approach supports sustainable development in the borough.
Community Support and Affordable Care Questions
The proposed scheme proved popular during the consultation phase, receiving 13 submissions in support and just a single objection. Council officers justified the loss of the vacant office space, recommending the refurbishment for approval.
During the planning meeting, Councillor Nicole Trehy praised the scheme as "an absolutely delightful scheme in a beautiful part of the world," but queried the lack of direct affordable provision for local people. A council officer clarified that the intention is to secure financial contributions towards affordable placements through the Section 106 agreement, a legal contract between the developer and the council.
Mr Roe emphasised that the plans will deliver "new and much-needed jobs in the area" alongside the regeneration of a redundant building. Following the meeting, he expanded on KYN's vision, telling the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "KYN's vision is to create care homes where our own mothers and fathers – our kin – would be happy to live. Our aim is to reimagine and transform what later life looks like." KYN already operates care homes in Hurlingham and Bickley, with further sites planned in Highgate and Kensington.
