news
We send out regular newsletters to our mailing list with the latest news on the project. You can sign up to join our mailing list and receive these here. Some of our recent updates are compiled below.
Update on squatters at New Oxford Street / West Central Street
As we have informed our neighbours previously, just over a month ago squatters gained access to 35-37 New Oxford Street through which they accessed and occupied other parts of the West Central Street block.
Following a successful application for an Interim Possesion Order, the squatters were evicted from the premises last week. Our heritage experts then undertook an initial inspection of the buildings’ interiors and identified no material damage to the listed elements. Further surveys will be undertaken in the coming week.
Security measures have since been upgraded across the site, including upgrading the security doors and other measures to secure access points. These measures have been confirmed by Camden Council’s conservation team in light of the listing designation for certain buildings within the block.
We are aware that the squatters may have caused disturbance to neighbours, so we would like to offer our apologies if this was the case for you.
(April 2023)
Amendments to the proposals for West Central Street
The project team are currently working on amendments to the proposals for the West Central Street block, in light of the decision by Historic England that some of the buildings involved are to be listed.
We are committed to keeping stakeholders informed of the proposed changes, and we anticipate sharing information on the proposals in the coming month.
(April 2023)
Roundtable on safety and inclusivity in the public realm
Earlier this year we held a roundtable event to bring together a diverse range of groups and local representatives to help test elements of the public realm design proposals for One Museum Street and inform the brief for future design development, with a particular focus on safety and inclusivity.
The focus of the discussion was based around understanding the different experiences and needs of the public realm; identifying opportunities, gaps and great examples of public space – particularly in the local area; testing elements of the public realm proposals and identifying opportunities for collaboration.
A summary of the discussion and findings can be found here.
The event was first in a series of rountables we plan to help shape the public realm designs as the development progresses. We’re always keen to hear from local community groups, schools and charities on your priorities and ideas for the public realm. Please get in touch with us on the details above so we can include you in future events.
(March 2023)
West Central Street listing decision
Historic England have upgraded the status of two groups of buildings within the West Central Street block – 10-12 Museum St and 35-37 New Oxford Street – to Grade II listing.
These buildings were already recognised as positive contributors to the Bloomsbury conservation area, something which we have reflected in our current designs. These submitted designs have taken a sensitive approach through retaining existing structures where possible and preserving heritage features by façade retention.
We are considering with our heritage specialists and with Camden planning officers what changes might be appropriate in the light of this new status and we anticipate making the relevant applications for listed building consent alongside the updated planning application. We are committed to keeping stakeholders informed and updated as this progresses, and will share more information once it is available.
(March 2023)
Architectural model display NOW OPEN
Our architectural model of the proposals for One Museum Street is now on display on High Holborn, in the shop window next to Dominoes Pizza. It shows our proposals in their local context, and gives passers-by an idea of the transformation of the site the proposals will bring.
(March 2023)
APCOA car park opens on site
APCOA have now opened a temporary car park on the lower floors of Selkirk House, accessed from Museum Street. This is a temporary arrangement for around one year to bring part of the site back into use during the planning phase and bring some additional activity to the area.
(March 2023)
Further public consultation in 2023
We hope to continue to work with the local community and grow our relationships locally as the plans progress. We are keen to continue to meet with local groups and organisations to share the plans and discuss ideas for getting involved. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team to if you’d like to discuss this further or have any questions.