The building is located in the Birdcage Walk Conservation Area of the City of Westminster adjacent to St. James Park and is an early 20th century brick building currently accommodating office use. The building fills the entire site between Old Queen Street to the North and the narrow non vehicular traffic lane that forms Lewisham Street to the south. The planning department of Westminster City Council considers the building to be ‘an unlisted building of merit’ which had a major impact on the design of the building.

Following market research it was determined that the building would comprise fewer but larger apartments. This will comply with space regulations as part of the London Plan as well as reducing pressure on local infrastructure and provide accommodation more in keeping with the ambience of the building and the area.

The plans are for a revised number of 15 units within the existing structure with and an additional dwelling in a new extension at roof level giving 16 prime apartments in total. Working with our client and Westminster Building Control it was also agreed that the lift and stairs will need to be reconfigured within the constraints of the existing structure.