Native Land has been selected as Transport for London’s joint venture partner for the long-awaited redevelopment of South Kensington Tube station.
The developer fought off competition from Crosstree and Chelsfield to win the mandate.
A proposed scheme for the site shows a technical, mixed-use scheme that will sensitively restore a Grade II listed arcade and provide 30,809 sq ft of retail, 24,438 sq ft of residential and 12,853 sq ft of offices.
Subject to contracts, TfL will now work with Native Land and its preferred architecture firm, Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners, to develop proposals for the site.
Consultation and engagement with the local community will happen later this year.
Subject to planning permission, the development including step-free access to the District and Circle line, could be complete in 2022.
TfL chose not to pick from its 13 developer-strong delivery partner panel, which it uses by default for more straightforward land disposals.
The existing South Kensington station site extends to 35,941 sq ft of residential, office and retail space in and around the main listed arcade.
The site also includes land along the southern edge of the station on Pelham Street.
TfL plans to improve the commercial and retail units of the station and refurbish the four-storey buildings at 20-34 Thurloe Street, SW7, with the potential to place a single storey on the distinctive Bullnose Building.
The scheme will also deliver step-free access to the pedestrian subway leading to nearby cultural destinations including the Science Museum, Imperial College, the Natural History Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum.
Graeme Craig, director of commercial development director at TFL said: “It’s hugely exciting to be working with partners who are renowned for such iconic and transformative projects.
“Together, we can create a development that reflects its historic legacy and unique setting as a gateway to some of the most important and treasured cultural institutions in the world.
“We look forward to working closely with Native Land and the community to bring forward respectful development proposals that generate vital revenue to reinvest in transport and provide step-free access for millions of journeys.”
In January 2018, TfL was granted listed building consent by Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea for proposals to upgrade South Kensington station.
Designed by architect Weston Williamson, the upgrade work will include rebuilding a new eastbound District and Circle line platform, and expanding the ticket hall and gate line to facilitate quicker, more pleasant journeys for customers using the station. This work is due to start in spring.
Alasdair Nicholls, chief executive of Native Land, said: “It’s great to be selected as the preferred partner for this important London project.
“We are keen to work with TfL to progress proposals for a high-quality, mixed-use development which is authentic to this very special location.”
Oliver Fursdon, head of the London commercial development team at Savills, which advised TfL, said: “The structuring of this joint venture plays to the respective strengths of TfL and the development market. South Kensington stands to be a fantastic example of TfL’s approach to working with private sector developers.”
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