Private property company GMS Estates has won a planning appeal for the redevelopment of part of 17-19 Bedford Street, London WC2.
The space behind the former Post Office will be redeveloped to create an additional 17,350 sq ft of office space over basement, ground and two upper floors.
The existing property, which was overhauled in the 1980’s to link the listed post office to the redeveloped sorting office, is occupied by serviced office company MWB until Sept 2011.
Tom Gibbon, managing director of GMS Estates, said: “After a challenging planning process we are delighted to have received approval for the scheme.
“The rear of the building will meet full DDA requirements and adhere to high environmental standards with raised floors, air conditioning and high floor to ceiling heights. The rooms in the front part of the building will be restored to their original proportions, but will offer all the modern facilities that tenants now require.
“The redevelopment is planned to start next year with delivery in around 18-24 months time. The property will be an ideal headquarters, though we would look at letting on a floor by floor basis.
The property will continue to form part of GMS’s long term investment portfolio which comprises around 750,000 sq ft of commercial property and more than 200 residential flats.
