A major redevelopment plan for a prominent site next to Oxford Street has been labelled 'highly commendable' by Westminster City Council. The project will transform the former London College of Fashion campus at 33 Cavendish Square into a new mix of offices, a food hall, and modern retail space.
Deep Retrofit for 1960s Towers
Berkeley Estate Asset Management, acting for long-term owner Oxford and City Holdings Ltd, has submitted plans for a 'deep retrofit' and extension of the existing complex. The site currently features three 1960s office towers, ranging from nine to 21 storeys, a pub, a food hall, a mini-golf centre, and a gym.
The proposal involves refreshing the three towers and removing their central cores to create more open-plan office space. Crucially, the low-rise buildings surrounding the towers, known as the podium, will be demolished. This includes the former fashion college building, which will be replaced with a new eight-storey block with a deeper basement.
New Cultural Hub and Viewing Gallery
The reimagined site promises a significant shift in use. The existing towers will remain as office space, with floors between the 17th and 19th storeys potentially becoming a viewing gallery and bar area. The new buildings will introduce a blend of offices, 'cultural and creative' floorspace, restaurants, a pub, and a new food hall.
According to a council analysis, the plans will result in a 35,000m2 increase in office space, potentially bringing an extra 1,875 employees to the area and creating around 335 further local jobs in supporting services.
Community Support and Concerns
While local community groups largely support the scheme, some concerns have been raised. Objectors fear the height and massing of the new buildings could be 'overbearing' and argue that demolishing the south podium, which housed the London College of Fashion for over 50 years, severs a key part of the area's cultural history.
Westminster planning officers, however, have backed the project. They state it retains over 50% of the original floorspace and will deliver townscape improvements, including new planting and greenery on terraces and roofs. They argue the loss of some retail space is due to 'deep, and poorly configured' areas in the old building and that the new plans will 'revitalise' a key area off Oxford Street.
Westminster City Council’s planning committee is scheduled to review the application on Tuesday, December 9.
