Elizabeth House near Waterloo to be redeveloped

Plans to redevelop Elizabeth House, a building near Waterloo station, have been put forward to Lambeth Council's planning committee.
The £600 million redevelopment scheme by David Chipperfield Architects has been controversial, as groups such as English Heritage, Westminster Council and UNESCO have all raised concerns about how the project could impact on views from the Westminster World Heritage Site, reports Architects Journal.

However, the report also described the architecture as "monolithic" and "unapologetic" and said that "the design engages a 'marmite' response - it will not be to everyone's tastes". However, it also points out that the National Planning Policy Framework does not allow for architectural tastes to be part of the consideration process.

If the project gets permission, the 132,000 square metre development scheme will replace the current 1960s block with two modern constructions - a 29-storey mixed-use office tower with 142 new homes, and a ten-storey building comprising retail and office space.

At least 20 per cent of the residential space will be affordable housing. There will also be a new 10,000 square metre public space called Victory Arch Square. It has been described as "a new seamless, step-free public space in front of the station."

This isn't the first time that the property has been considered for redevelopment. A 2009 plan was rejected following a public inquiry. At the time, English Heritage claimed the proposed £1 billion project would cause 'significant harm' to the heritage site.

Those plans have since been revised, following feedback from English Heritage and Cabe. A report on the new plans acknowledged that previous concerns had been responded to, and the new proposal "allows Big Ben to be uncompromised in protected views, nor [does it] compete with its internationally recognisable silhouette whose only competitor for attention is the London Eye".

Meanwhile, other plans for this region of the South Bank are settling into place, making this an exciting time for anyone staying at flats to rent around Waterloo.

The Shell Centre across the road is also being considered for redevelopment, with the current plans including a 122-metre tall tower, while approved schemes included a 43-storey tower on Doon Street and the 52-storey skyscraper at Blackfriars.

Posted by Chris Price

 

Published 6th November, 2012

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