Camden Council’s planning committee has been recommended to approve refurbishment plans by Prudential that kick-start a masterplan to repurpose the Waterhouse Square estate in Holborn.
The insurance company lodged proposals earlier this year for the vacant 2 Waterhouse Square at 138-142 Holborn, EC1. The scheme would comprise an internal refurbishment as well as partial demolition and extension, including a new café. Co-Re is the development manager.
Planning officials at the council said in their report: “The proposed reconfiguration and extension of the existing office use is strongly welcomed and will bring economic, employment and training benefits to the area. The provision of flexible Class E floor space at ground floor, which includes potential for a small bar, is also supported as it would maximise the vitality of this town centre locale, contribute towards overall local commercial viability, and bring urban design benefits such as improved activity and surveillance onto local streets.”
Prudential describes itself as “long-term custodians” of Waterhouse Square, having occupied the site for more than a century. The company now has “an ambition to develop a phased masterplan for the whole site”, its planning statements said, “reimagining and repurposing for its long-term future”.
“The proposed development seeks to sensitively refurbish and extend the existing building,” said planning documents from Orms Designers and Architects. “The proposals seek to enhance the existing building, reinstate the historic courtyard and repair the historic fabric of the site.”
To send feedback, e-mail tim.burke@eg.co.uk or tweet @_tim_burke or @EGPropertyNews
