Greycoat Stores

Built

SPPARC’s transformation of Greycoat Stores reinterprets the façade, modernises offices and adds two penthouse floors to create a vibrant mixed-use project.

One of greatest joys of architecture is not necessarily producing a new building but reviving an existing one – particularly one with historic importance – that’s fallen into disrepair and obscurity. This was precisely SPPARC’s aim with Greycoat Stores, a heritage structure located at the prominent Greycoat Place junction in the heart of Westminster , just south of the hustle and bustle of Victoria Street . SPPARC’s acting as an Architect and Lead Designer for the refurbishment has created 80 ,000 sq ft of flagship mixed -used development comprising seven floors of premium workspace, with 5 ,000 sq ft of retail and leisure facilities and a 4 ,000 sq ft restaurant . It also now houses a feature cycle facility located in the former basement vehicular parking area .

Greycoat Stores was built in the 1890 s and functioned as a department store until the Second World War , at which point it was transformed into a warehouse for the Army and Navy Co -operative Society. Renovations to the original red brick facade in the 1950 s covered the principal elevation fronting Greycoat Place with bland cement render. This move largely extinguished the building’s identity and sense of belonging in the broader Westminster townscape, which was comprised of countless other brick buildings, including several warehouses belonging to the Army and Navy.

Taking reference from the original historic facade which was all but lost during various stages of adaption over the decades, the SPPARC reinterpretation of a Victorian warehouse has resulted in an assertive elevation which appropriately responds to its prominent position whilst sensitively responding to its immediate context and fascinating history, that sees a contemporary take on traditional hierarchy and detailing . The proposal consists of feature curved pre -cast spandrel panels inserted between traditionally hand laid brick pilasters with meticulous attention applied to align the brick courses across a horizontal and vertical rhythm to create a coherent outcome .