The iconic, Art Deco, former department store is reimagined and adapted as a mixed-use development with a retro-first approach, retaining as much of the original building as possible.

An iconic, Art Deco, former department store is reimagined and adapted as a mixed-use development with a retro-first approach, retaining as much of the original as possible.
Designed for flexibility and adaptability, the scheme celebrates the elegance of the original architecture and adds new floors with expressive modernist elements. The Portland stone façade is repaired and windows replaced with energy-efficient units. Steel columns from the lower floors were removed to create column free space and then reused on the new upper levels.
Occupying an entire city block, the design activates all sides of the deep plan building encouraging people to explore further from the main shopping artery. Attractive shopfronts continue the retail experience at ground floor level on Oxford Street with F&B offers along Old Cavendish Street. Two new statement double height entrances on Old Cavendish Street and Henrietta Place provide access to flexible office space with a centrally placed core. A gym with swimming pool, extensive active travel facilities and restaurant with 360-degree views are accessed from Chapel Place.
With their limited ceiling heights, the top two floors were not tenable and are replaced with three new floors of light construction. For flexibility and choice within the office floor plates, there is the potential for tenants to install naturally vented winter gardens, including linking between floors to create dramatic double height spaces. Overall floor area is increased by 5% with 64% of floor slabs and 81% of the façade retained.
The building has an important place in the history of Oxford Street and is now part of its future as a destination for work and leisure, as well as shopping.

“Due to open next year, we are hugely proud to have played a key part in the history of this building and making it fit for the future. The adaptation and extension of this iconic and beautiful landmark on one of London’s busiest shopping streets demonstrates how we can give a new lease of life to buildings, improving their environmental performance and making them attractive to new tenants and users.”
Andrew Davidson, Partner, Studio PDP