Demolition needed to create new retail and office space at One Victoria

By Ben Lynch, Local Democracy Reporter

A 1960s office block in view of Westminster Cathedral is to be knocked down and replaced with a building providing new retail and workspace.

One Victoria Street, which council officers described as ‘of limited architectural value’, was vacated in January this year after the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy moved out.

Applicants Stanhope and Mitsubishi Estate London, both major developers, had initially planned a part-retrofit of the site.

Further investigations conducted following it being vacated however discovered erosion in steel reinforcement bars, meaning the application was revised in June to include additional demolition.

The plans involve the full demolition of the existing building above ground level, leaving the basement. The new structure will be part-six, eight and nine storeys tall, providing both office and retail spaces. Restaurants and a gym are among the retail offerings envisioned in the plans.

Historic England said it did not consider the proposal would result in harm to the value of the World Heritage Site, and so would not object to the scheme.

The appropriateness of demolition was discussed by councillors, though was deemed to be valid given the constraints of the site.

More contentious was the design of the proposed building. Cllr Ruth Bush, chair of the sub-committee, said: “I thought this is a very, very unpleasant building,” she said. “It is not offering what it needs to offer for this extraordinarily important site.”

Stanhope has been approached for comment.

Pictured top: The planned new look (Picture: Stanhope)