Office redevelopment in Charing Cross, adjacent to Trafalgar Square
MWA have successfully gained planning permission for the redevelopment of an office building for Atlas Property, located in the Trafalgar Square Conservation Area within the City of Westminster. The area is characterised by monumental stone buildings in a classical style, laid out around the open space of Trafalgar Square and anchored by Nelson’s Column. Proposals include full refurbishment of the existing building, the implementation of new sustainable technologies, and an uplift of 6,000 sqft in floor area.
Our designs acknowledge that rooflines are a sensitive element of conservation in the area due to the topography of Trafalgar Square and its open views. Therefore, after extensive analysis of the surrounding area considering height, mass, hierarchy, rhythm and grid we have determined that an additional two storeys and a setback floor with a proposed roof terrace are appropriate on the site which is currently only four storeys.
Overall, the design was commended by Westminster and they stated that the new design would enhance the Trafalgar Square Conservation Area. The proposed additional massing will improve how the building sits in its context, mediating the transition in height between 5 The Strand and the locally listed townhouses at the top of Northumberland Street.
The additional storeys will be constructed with a lightweight structure, of steel frame with CLT slabs, so that the existing structure can be reused. The building also improves accessibility, fire safety and end of trip facilities including showers and cycle storage for the workplace users. The proposal will ensure the buildings viability for decades to come.
