Hines files plans to redevelop Soho Tesco
Hines has submitted plans to replace a Tesco Express-anchored office block on Soho’s Dean Street, W1, with a new nine-storey development.
Under the proposals the site, at 2-4 Dean Street and 7 Soho Square, will be demolished and redeveloped into around 78,000 sq ft of offices. The plans include terraces on the fifth, sixth and roof levels and a restaurant or retail offering at ground-floor level.
Guidance for the cost of works is up to £100m, according to application documents submitted to the City of Westminster by Gerald Eve.
Hines has submitted plans to replace a Tesco Express-anchored office block on Soho’s Dean Street, W1, with a new nine-storey development.
Under the proposals the site, at 2-4 Dean Street and 7 Soho Square, will be demolished and redeveloped into around 78,000 sq ft of offices. The plans include terraces on the fifth, sixth and roof levels and a restaurant or retail offering at ground-floor level.
Guidance for the cost of works is up to £100m, according to application documents submitted to the City of Westminster by Gerald Eve.
Once complete, the site will offer two shops at the ground and basement level, to surround a re-imagined “Soho Bazaar”.
The space will be repurposed into a multi-functional public space, with uses including fashion events and cultural exhibitions. The site, which first opened in 1815, was originally a charity where women were allowed to sell goods.
Proposals were submitted following a 18 months of consultations including 21 stakeholder meetings, four pre-application meetings with City Council planning and design officers, and an in-person public consultation.
A planning statement for the scheme noted that local residents were keen for Tesco to remain at the site. However, the supermarket group has now taken a lease at the nearby 264-267 Tottenham Court Road, a smaller space. The use of the ground floor of 2-4 Dean Street for retail was granted solely to Tesco.
If approved, construction is due to commence in summer 2023, with the building works complete by autumn 2026.
Ross Blair, senior managing director and head of UK at Hines, said: “Our plans are focused on creating a world-class, highly sustainable and vibrant Soho Square building delivering best-in-class office and ground floor retail.
“Paying homage to the history of the area and local tradition, a standout feature is the new 21st Century Bazaar concept. This will be the centrepiece for social connection with a curated programme of community led-events, launches and pop-ups that delivers for all.”
Hines’ pan-European core fund acquired the site, which is located opposite the recently-opened Tottenham Court Road Elizabeth Line station entrance, for £78m from Landsec in 2020.
To send feedback, e-mail chante.bohitige@eg.co.uk or tweet @bohitige
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