The future of a mixed-use redevelopment of South Kensington underground station has been thrown into doubt following Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell’s decision to list the 1868 station.
Stanhope, Hutchison Whampoa Property and London Underground (LU) had submitted plans for 200,215 sq ft (18,600 sq m) offices, 125 flats and 22,000 sq ft (2,043 sq m) of shops on the site.
Under the terms of the agreement originally reached with Kensington & Chelsea council and LU, the commercial and residential elements of the scheme would fund the cost of rebuilding the station.
But in December 2003 the developers withdrew their planning application following consultations with the council and local residents associations
Jowell’s decision means that English Heritage, the Kensington Society and the Chelsea Society, all of whom objected to the new plans, will now be able to exert strong influence over the station’s future.
South Kensingston serves as the public transport gateway to Kensington’s museum and cultural district with up to 30m passengers passing through it each year.
Architect Terry Farrell & Partners designed the scheme.
References: EGi News 09/09/04
