W8 Regent Street W1
The creation of world-class retail space behind a listed Edwardian exterior was the first phase in Regent Street's transformation
The redevelopment of One Hanover Street has allowed modern uses to flourish behind the historic facades of an Edwardian building.
The project doubled the site's commercial area, adding retail, office and residential space. Eleven buildings were demolished behind the carefully preserved façade, while a listed building was converted into apartments. New elevations were carefully stitched into the period architecture.
The careful blending of old and new addressed the preservation desires of Westminster planners, while allowing the creation of sophisticated retail space to attract premium retailers such as Apple Computers, which has set up its flagship store in the development. With one of the largest office floorplates in the West End, the building allows for a mix of working techniques.
As well as the challenges posed by the building's historic preservation, the site itself was complex, crossing two conservation areas and lying above tunnels for Crossrail and the Victoria and Bakerloo Underground lines.
The project was British Council of Offices (BCO) regional and national commercial workplace award winner in 2006 and Received Gold in the Considerate Constructors Awards in 2004 as well as a 2003 Considerate Builders Scheme award in 2003.
Opinions
“A challenging and complex series of buildings has been transformed into superb modern retail, office and residential accommodation behind an immaculately preserved and restored façade.”
Roger Bright, Chief Executive, The Crown Estate
