Henigman lobbies for Former Police Station scheme with support from Savile Row Tailors
Westminster Council's Planning Committee is due to consider luxury property developer and LPF Member Henigman’s proposal for the former West End Police Station site tomorrow, 14th May.
The iconic tailors of Savile Row – some of whom have operated from Savile Row for well over 100 years have advocated the redevelopment of the old Mayfair Police Station on Savile Row, after Westminster’s planning officers recommended the scheme for refusal. They have called on Westminster Councillors to approve the scheme through an emotive video www.27savilerow.co.uk.
European investor CPI Property Group and Henigman Head Dean Main – who also runs super-prime residential property management firm Rhodium acquired the site at 27 Savile Row in 2021.
Plans to replace the existing building with a new structure (re-using 95% of the old Police Station’s facade stone) were submitted in November 2022, promising a mix of high-spec office space (6,583 sq m), a new restaurant venue (790 sq m) and a rent-free home for tailoring school the London Academy of Bespoke (141 sq m).
Savile Row's tailoring community, represented by the Savile Row Bespoke Association and prominent tailors, has rallied together in a show of unity ahead of Westminster’s planning committee meeting on tomorrow when the redevelopment of the former West End Central Police Station (at 27 Savile Row) will be considered.
Their collective appeal highlights the significant benefits of the redevelopment, which includes Grade A office space, a destination restaurant, and a rent-free home for the London Academy of Bespoke (LAB).
LAB is a tailoring school that provides apprentices with hands on training and a path to long term employment with the established tailors of the Row. With no current fixed home, LAB would have a new space as part of the redevelopment, ensuring the craft's longevity and the Row's vibrant future.
The redevelopment's design, which has been guided by extensive consultation with the local community, is endorsed by over 100 supportive letters, echoing the tailors' sentiment to revitalise the northern end of Savile Row.
Mark Henderson, Chair of the Savile Row Bespoke Association said:
“Restaurants, Grade A office space and affordable tailoring workspace are exactly the combination of things we need on the Row. At the moment, at the Northern End of Savile Row, you have a derelict police station.”
“This building can’t be left derelict; viewing from Regent Street, this is an important façade and it's vital it should look fresh, but also that it has a mix of uses completely complementary to the businesses on the Row. That is exactly what the Savile Row special policy demands, and that is what this development is proposing.”
“We urge Westminster Councillors to approve the plans so these benefits can be realised as soon as possible.”
Anda Rowland, Anderson Sheppard Tailors said:
“As you move towards the police station, its overwhelming sadness and heaviness is a deterrent to foot traffic. I cannot imagine anything that building is suitable for other than the local prison. There is no light, the ceiling heights are very bad, and the basement area is truly terrifying.”
“There is new energy on Savile Row, and we need new energy on the Northern end of the street – that is what the redevelopment of 27 Savile Row would bring.”
a word From Henigman
Henigman, the Development Manager for the project on behalf of the building owner, Savile Row 1 Limited, has submitted plans that promise to deliver a sustainable building of the highest architectural quality, as well as significant economic benefits through the creation of new jobs and public realm improvements - the design will re-use up to 95% of the existing façade in the new building.
Dean Main, Henigman said:
“This development would not only preserve the legacy of tailoring, but also commits to do this sustainably. A significant portion of the façade materials (up to 95%) from the original structure would be repurposed, marrying respect for the past with a vision for a greener future.”
“The ambitious scheme offers more than an architectural landmark; it embodies the hope for a modern Savile Row that celebrates tradition, supports the next generation, and advances towards a sustainable future.”
“We have been delighted to work with the Savile Row community over the past two years to bring forward a scheme that would deliver Grade A office space, which we hope will attract a global fashion brand, a new destination restaurant, and rent-free tailoring workspace.”
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HENIGMAN
Nightingale House
65 Curzon Street
London W1J 8PE