Westminster's Area Revitalization Plan Gets Green Light for 1,120 New Homes

After Bell Phillips redesigned their plan to include second staircases in response to a fire safety ruling by London mayor Sadiq Khan in February, Westminster councillors approved the Church Street scheme in Marylebone, which will now feature 1,120 new homes.

The mayor's new regulations dictate that all building applications over 30m require second staircases before receiving the Greater London Authority's second-stage approval. This has resulted in multiple significant schemes in London being modified to adhere to the new rules.

Westminster Council plans to demolish an existing council estate and replace it with new buildings, ranging from eight to 14 storeys in height, funded by the Greater London Authority and developed by the council.

The redevelopment will include 50% affordable housing, comprising 70% social rented homes and 30% intermediate homes. It will provide 1,750 new homes, including 228 council homes for returning tenants, 156 social rented homes, and 168 homes for intermediate rent.

The revised plans have resulted in a loss of retail space, increased massing, and significantly altered tenures, although the overall number of homes remains the same. Contractor DDS has begun the initial demolition work, and the architect for the project is Bell Phillips.

The council is now seeking a delivery partner for the project, and residents have voted in favour of the Church Street and Ebury Bridge regeneration schemes, unlocking £60m in funding from the GLA. Matt Noble, the cabinet member for regeneration, renters, and climate action, said the development would bring the neighbourhood better homes, greener streets, and more job opportunities. The council's shortlisted bidders are expected to receive invitations to tender on April 13th.

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