Planning go-ahead for Covent Garden conservation-led development

A conservation-led scheme to transform a historic Covent Garden city block into a 23,000 sq ft retail, office and leisure space has secured planning permission.

The block on Drury Lane will form part of a heritage-led project, combining four separate buildings to create a flexible space consisting of retail and restaurant units, gym and offices.

The firm behind the planning application, London-based architecture practice Barr Gazetas, intends to combine contemporary design with the restoration of original features of the historic buildings, ahead of its planned completion in 2021.

The architecture specialists secured permission from Westminster Council on the site, which has previously had applications opposed and refused, by taking a collaborative consulting approach with the local community.

Jon Eaglesham of Barr Gazetas explained: “…We approached this project with an open mind, ready to listen to and engage with the community and wider stakeholders.

“Through careful tailoring of the designs we have achieved a thoughtful, conservation led project which will provide the highest quality office and retail space inside the refurbished fabric.”