Great Marlborough Street

This site was within the Soho Conservation Area , and consent to demolish the existing Victorian buildings was initially refused by Westminster Council.

An appeal was submitted, with the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment praising Squire and Partners’ proposed replacement for ‘its clarity and careful attention to the rhythm and detailed treatment of the front elevation’. The appeal was granted approval in 2001.

The development illustrates Squire and Partners’ approach to the design of contemporary buildings which respond strongly to their context. The quality of the new building derives from its scale, proportion and materials (including the Portland stone cladding), which reflect the established character of the area – the architectural language of the building is, however, completely modern.

The development, containing 2500 sq.m of office space, with restaurant use at ground and lower ground levels, contributes positively to the character of the area in visual and commercial terms.