Westminster City Council has granted permission for its revised redevelopment of Marble Arch Tower to create a striking new landmark for London, reports Almacantar.
Under the proposals, the existing tower will be demolished and replaced with a residential building and an office building, both providing retail and leisure facilities on basement, ground and first floor, designed by Rafael Viñoly. The office building will feature large scale art work by Lee Simmons. Almacantar originally received planning permission in June 2014 and submitted revised plans late last year.
The original plans were revised to include a greater proportion of office space in the development transforming the first level of residential area in the Western tower into office area and adding an additional floor of housing to the top of the tower. These revised plans will increase the height of the building from 17 storeys to 18 and will marginally reduce the number of apartments from 53 to 49.
Almacantar will also create a new build multi-screen Odeon cinema and the 18,000 sq ft of new retail remains a key aspect of the development. This world class retail space will transform the area and have a positive impact on the surrounding environment.
The affordable housing element of the scheme will be provided at 466-490 Edgware Road, where Almacantar is also developing a new mixed tenure housing and retail scheme. This scheme will comprise 76 homes of which 47 will be affordable. The development will also see the reinstatement of the disused petrol filling station – marking the first new petrol station in London for over 10 years.
Lee Simmons will design the dramatic structural artwork that will adorn the development. Lee is a talented young British artist who combines traditional skills with modern technologies and techniques to create his stunning and distinctive pieces.
The structure contains leaf inspired panels of colour which visually reverberate one against the other at different intervals along each band. How each panel interacts with another introduces a rhythm to the work that is of a scale that will be clearly identifiable from all main public access routes. The creation will develop into an impressive and impactful work that will captivate public imagination.
Kathrin Hersel, Development Director of Almacantar, commented:
"I am delighted that the revised plans for the Marble Arch Place scheme have been approved. The plans will address The Portman Estate's requirements. Also, the scheme will deliver much needed additional office floor space and will unlock a very important affordable housing project for the City of Westminster. This gateway location overlooking the finest of the Royal Parks deserves a world class development.”
Lee Simmons commented:
“I am incredibly honoured to have been asked to create the art for such a pivotal area of London, Marble Arch is undoubtedly one of the focal points of the Capital and to have my art as part of the development is such an exciting opportunity. My idea is focused on capturing a snapshot or passage of time that occurs within the natural world. I hope to create a moment of contemplation through my art, helping to connect the architecture with the natural beauty of the Royal Park across the road".