Sir Philip Green’s Arcadia Group and Sirosa are trying to redevelop the retailer’s 70 Berners Street, W1 headquarters without making an affordable housing payment.
The pair have submitted plans to revamp the 247,652 sq ft Plaza shopping centre and offices, which are used by the Topshop parent.
Coleman Architects-designed proposals involve increasing office space by 18,514 sq ft to 193,481 sq ft, increasing retail space by nearly 13,000 sq ft to 104,313 sq ft and enlarging the Arcadia reception.
Ahead of a planning committee meeting on 14 May, Westminster city council planners have recommended the Colegrave House scheme should be rejected on two counts, including the belief that the proposals fail to mitigate the impact of development on the city’s public realm.
Arcadia and Sirosa have refused to make a payment towards the council’s affordable housing fund. The council requires a contribution of £2.2m.
The report said: “Nil contributions towards public realm improvements and to the affordable housing fund are considered unacceptable.”
However it did note that the proposals would not have an adverse impact upon the amenities of neighbouring residential properties, and would improve the appearance of the building.
Arcadia is still in negotiations to commit to a new long-term lease with Sirosa, but a deal is expected to be agreed imminently, ending a search for a new 100,000 sq ft office, which CBRE was advising on.
DP9 and Savills advised on planning.
joanna.bourke@estatesgazette.com
