Permission granted to refurbish and extend an Art Deco icon on Oxford Street
Approved at committee on 9th November, the proposals focus on rejuvenating the former D.H Evans department store; celebrating the elegance of the existing Art Deco style and its proportions, whilst designing for flexibility, opportunity and adaptability. Reimagined as a vibrant mixed use development with six floors of offices, upgraded retail space and leisure facilities, this highly sustainable building confidently looks to the future, whilst re-establishing an Art Deco landmark on Oxford Street.
The team has taken a retro-first approach, with sustainability at the heart of the proposals, targeting BREEAM Excellent and WELL Certification. The plans include the provision of new, attractive shopfronts to enhance the retail experience, extensive refurbishment of the existing Portland stone façade, and the creation of highly flexible, open floor-plates. They also see the existing sixth and seventh floors rebuilt and a new eighth floor added - providing large, flexible, commercial office floor-plates on floors six and seven, with the eighth floor housing a new 1,000 sqm restaurant boasting 360 degree views across London, complete with access to external terraces.
By adopting a heritage-led approach, the proposals are designed to preserve and enhance the character and appearance of the surrounding townscape and heritage assets. The facades of the rebuilt sixth and seventh floors have been designed to be consistent with the style, detailing and materials of the existing building, while the new eighth floor is designed as a set-back, lightweight extension which complements the existing building, providing an elegant and defined crown without appearing dominant. The form and detailing of this façade have been inspired by the chevron window detail of the existing upper floors: the pattern extending across the façade with an attractive rhythm – a subtle nod to the building’s heritage.
Proposed new double-height entrance on Old Cavendish Street
Along Old Cavendish Street and Henrietta Place, two new double-height entrances are introduced, marking the way to an internal ‘street’ within a double-height entrance hall and lobby at ground floor level, giving access to the new office space above. These confident and considered entrances signify something new: reflecting the change of use of the building, whilst emphasising the grand proportions and symmetry of the existing Art Deco façades.
Additionally, a new gym is proposed across part of the basement, ground and first floors with a 25m swimming pool in the basement. The inclusion of the leisure facilities will not only complement the office use but bring vibrancy to the area, particularly in the evenings, when traditionally the shops close.
Proposed urban realm improvements
Addressing the wider context, urban realm improvements will see footways widened and de-cluttered, resting spaces for seating and shade created, and paving upgraded to be attractive, accessible and comfortable.
“It is a privilege to lead this ‘once in a hundred year’ major re-ordering of a dramatic Art Deco landmark, transforming it from a department store with a single identity and brand, into a vibrant and flexible mixed use destination, where Londoners will enjoy working, keeping fit, shopping and relaxing.”
Andrew Davidson, Partner
The rebuilt sixth and seventh floors will provide flexible commercial floorplates, with the new eighth floor housing a 1,000 sqm restaurant, surrounded by external terraces
When the pandemic hit, an opportunity to adapt and refine the proposals presented itself. Internally, within the retained parts of the building, substantial structural alterations will create highly flexible, open floorplates. The incorporation of additional plant and risers has allowed for elevated ventilation rates for the office areas, which will improve the health and wellbeing credentials of the development whilst also helping to mitigate airborne transmission of infectious aerosols – an important addition for post-pandemic life.
Responding to changes in the market, a series of winter gardens have been proposed across office floors two to five - affording users access to a series of internal spaces which are heated and ventilated - providing a sense of being outdoors without the worry of air quality or acoustic issues affecting the other workers.
“As the long-term freeholder of the building, our client's sensitive approach to the reimagining and repositioning of this under-appreciated Art Deco style department store focuses on the creation of long-term value by delivering a highly adaptable, sustainable and healthy building. The client’s resolute commitment to these principles has allowed us to realise the site’s full potential and maximise its positive contribution to the future success of the Oxford Street District.”
Cian Scanlon, Associate
The proposals to refurbish and extend this building of architectural merit aim to re-establish the site as an Art Deco landmark with a strong identity and distinct sense of place. They also re-imagine the building as a dynamic, inclusive and attractive development, breathing new life into this part of the Oxford Street District.
Project Team:
Client: Publica Properties Establishment
Project Manager/QS: Robinson Low Francis
Architect: PDP London
Consultant Architect: Duncan Mitchell Architects
Heritage Consultant: Montagu Evans
Planning Consultant: DP9
Structural and Façade Engineer: Civic Engineers
Services Engineer: Chapman BDSP
Fire Consultant: Hoare Lea Fire
Traffic/Transport Consultant: Pell Frischmann
Daylight and Sunlight Consultant: Delva Patman Redler
Environmental Consultant: Chapman BDSP
Communications & Engagement: Concilio