KPF’s transformation of a key site on London’s Oxford Street received unanimous support from Westminster City Council, when the Strategic Planning Committee resolved to grant planning permission last night.
Designed by KPF for Berkeley Estate Asset Management (BEAM), the redevelopment will provide state-of-the-art office space, flagship retail, and cultural space at the former BHS and UAL College of Fashion site. The design blends innovative retrofitting with new build, to create a workplace environment that attracts top talent and supports productivity, wellbeing and sustainability, including nearly 23,000 sq ft of terraces and panoramic views across London. The building will be fully electric, net-zero aligned and equipped with over 1,000 cycle parking spaces, reinforcing its commitment to a greener future. More than half of the existing structure will be retained, aligning with Westminster City Council’s emerging ‘retrofit-first’ approach.
“We are delighted to have received unanimous planning approval for 33 Cavendish Square,” said KPF Principal John Bushell. “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.”
“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.”
Works are expected to commence in 2029, with completion of the development anticipated in 2033.
