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Soho Silver Building will shine on spot of police quarters
Ellen Widdup, Evening Standard18 Jun 2008
This glistening, silver-tiled block is to become the first example of modern architecture built in Westminster in more than a decade.
The Silver Building will consist of five floors of office space, six apartments and a roof garden and the exterior is to be clad in reflective tiles, giving it a futuristic appearance.
Deborah Saunt, co-founder of developer DSDHA, said the designers had been afraid the Beak Street scheme would not be approved because it will replace a listed police section house dating from the early 20th century. But architects described that building as "shabby" and "austere" and the plans were embraced by Simon Milton, the Mayor's planning adviser and leader of Westminster council.
Mrs Saunt said: "When they saw the plans at officer level, we were told it would never get through the planning process. But it went through with incredible compliments.
"This suggests Boris Johnson is not going to ignore a good design. Westminster said it wanted contemporary design and this was the test as to whether they were going to be true to their word."
The last modern design to be granted planning permission in Westminster was the Broadwick Building in Broadwick Street, designed by architect Richard Rogers. The block, the headquarters of Ford, was built in 1996.
Mrs Saunt said: "Westminster are very particular about retaining the historic buildings and facades. There have been other buildings built there since 1996 but they have all been hidden behind remodelled or renovated facades of existing buildings. The Silver Building will break all the moulds - it is a truly innovative and exciting design."
Artist Edmund De Waal, who has worked on the scheme with DSDHA, said the name of the building and the materials used in its creation were influenced by the 18th century name of the road - Silver Street.
Alastair Moss, chairman of Westminster's planning and city development committee, said: "This is an incredibly exciting development with a bold, contemporary, sustainable design which will enhance the Soho conservation area."
Work is expected to start on site in January.
Reader views (1)
Maybe it'll go the same way as SilverJet...
- Rob, London, UK, 18/06/2008 15:26
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