In Pictures: CIT & PDP London unveil new Grade I listed façade at Regent’s Crescent

Developer and architect reveal the results of their five-year endeavour to restore a key section of John Nash’s original Regent’s Park masterplan.

The covers have finally come off the new façade at CIT’s Regent’s Crescent scheme – the restoration of a key section of John Nash’s original Regent’s Park masterplan.

It’s taken five whole years to replace the “hastily rebuilt” 1960s frontage that went up after the iconic 1820s terrace was bombed during the Second World War, and the works have now been completed in time for the first residents to move in.

Westminster green-lighted the demolition and replacement of the jointless 120-metre façade after concluding that none of the original nineteenth century fabric remained. The new iteration – the only Grade I listed example to be rebuilt in the UK – has been designed by PDP London to “celebrate Nash’s original designs” and “usher the crescent into a new era”, from office block to super-prime resi scheme housing 68 apartments and nine villas.

Many of Nash’s original Regency finishing touches, left out of the 1960s design, have been reinstated – including missing front doors, decorative fanlights, chimney stacks, entrance bridges and steps – and the brickwork has been finished with lime stucco render

One of the biggest challenges arose with the unexpected discovery of an important subterranean Ice House in the grounds; access to some of the garden villas required the building of a reinforced steel bridge above the structure, which is now designated as a Scheduled Monument by Historic England and will be open for public viewing on certain days of the year.

The architects also had to solve the issues of noise and vibration from the four London Underground lines that pass beneath the site; thanks to the use of advanced specialist materials and an acoustic anti-vibration system, incoming residents are promised a “tranquil escape from London life outside”.

The interiors have been designed by Millier, and you can take a tour of the £13m show apartment – unveiled over the summer - here.

“The sweeping elevation of Regent’s Crescent is a key part of John Nash’s masterplan, which set out Regent’s Park and characterises Regency London.
“We are proud and privileged to have worked on its reimagination, using many traditional techniques combined with the latest technology to transform the building from a 60s office block back to its original purpose as a prestigious, private residential address.”
Ian Law, Partner at PDP London

“We are thrilled to finally unveil the new façade of Regent’s Crescent as we welcome our first residents and move towards completion of the project.
“In overcoming all of the conservation, design and technical challenges, PDP London and Millier have succeeded in creating a scheme that honours the building’s iconic architectural history, pays due homage to John Nash and also provides an exceptional standard of sophisticated living in the heart of London.”
Chris Richmond, Head of Sales, CIT

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