Client: Berkeley Square Estate, Bruton Street
Gerald Eve LLP was appointed by the Berkeley Square Estate to advise on the redevelopment of this mixed- use site in the heart of Mayfair between Bond Street and Berkeley Square.
The site had an existing planning permission from a previous application which the Estate wished to revise and improve to achieve modern, clear span office space across the three separate buildings as well as good quality retail accommodation at ground floor to replace the complex and inefficient existing layout, to produce a more commercially attractive building. The site is in a sensitive location forming part of the Mayfair Conservation Area and is close to a Grade II listed Georgian terrace. It includes buildings that Westminster City Council had identified as making a positive contribution to the Conservation Area and this, along with assembling a satisfactory land use package to address the increases in floorspace proposed, were key issues to be addressed.
Gerald Eve LLP advised on the overall approach to the redevelopment, including reviewing the existing permission and engaging in preapplication negotiations with Westminster City Council.
Through this process a land use package was assembled to provide the necessary residential accommodation sought by Westminster City Council, involving providing some apartments on site and others on two further separate sites in the Estate’s ownership in Bruton Place. The total package comprised approximately 2,000 sq m of office space, 1,000 sq m of retail and 900 sq m of residential space. The improved residential accommodation that was developed enabled the Council to be persuaded of the merits of the revised scheme which involved more extensive removal of historic fabric than had originally been permitted. This resulted in a more commercially attractive development for the Estate.
Gerald Eve LLP also advised on the presentation of the proposals to the local community and Members of the planning committee and worked with the political consultants appointed at its recommendation to secure the planning permission.
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