GRID ARCHITECTS WIN PLANNING APPROVAL FOR RESIDENTIAL BUILDING TO REPLACE WESTMINSTER MAGISTRATES COURT
GRID Architects has won planning for a 14,500 m sq residential building on Horseferry Road, Westminster, a site which was at the centre of the ‘style wars’ provoked by the debate around Chelsea Barracks. Grid’s design replaces proposals by another architect who was briefed to provide a classically styled building and a contemporary alternative, that were controversially approved in 2009. As well as resolving the stylistic issue, the new building provides modern accommodation compliant with the London Plan, not provided by the earlier designs. The £46 million scheme for Barratt Homes West will provide 129 apartments over 11 floors.
Craig Casci, Director Grid said “The former consents just did not work out, and there was no flexibility to develop a good accommodation. We had to start from scratch, and despite Westminster’s initial reticence, they worked with us to produce the best solution”
The design provides balconies and well lit, spacious accommodation. The set back floors of the stone clad building are shrouded in a bronze mesh veil that encloses the balconies but allows views out. The rear building façade will be made from bronze anodised aluminium to reflect the industrial history of the site which was previously a large gas facility.
Westminster Magistrates Court had many famous faces through its doors, including the London rioters and Amy Winehouse. The Court has now moved to Marylebone Road and Casci says that having people back in the street will benefit adjoining residents. The Court will be demolished but a giant concrete basement will be retained from the original design and the new building will reach a Code 4 Sustainable rating.
Professional Team
Architects: GRID Architects
Location: Westminster
Client: Barratt Homes West London
Total cost: £46M
ENDS
Issued by: Stratton & Reekie
On behalf of: GRID Architects
For more information and images contact Katy Garland on tel: 020 7287 8456 or email: kgarland@strattonandreekie.com
Notes to editor
GRID Architects are a specialist residential practice working in affordable and private housing, masterplanning and urban design. GRID Architects has a passion for urbanism with a pragmatic approach to problem solving to ensure a viable and sustainable solution is achieved. The studio is based in London and with a new office about to open in Edinburgh. They have worked on behalf of Barratt Group on two high profile and successful schemes and are currently on site with 190 Strand, Westminster; 200 new homes and retail space, for Berkeley Group and Prudential.
