50 Baker Street Receives Planning 14.08.24

On Tuesday August 6th, AHMM’s proposals for the redevelopment of 50 Baker Street and the surrounding public realm received resolution to grant planning approval from Westminster City Council.

The site at 38-70 Baker Street forms the last remaining undeveloped strategic city block site within the Baker Street District and is a joint venture between Derwent London and Lazari Investments, working with the Portman Estate. The proposals deliver on a shared ambition to deliver highly sustainable, future proofed and adaptable buildings, and has been designed to achieve ambitious upfront carbon targets, have low in-use operational energy and maximise natural ventilation. An extensive carbon analysis was undertaken in order to ensure that the proposal has a lower overall carbon figure than a retrofit and refurbishment alternative.

The development will deliver best-in-class office space suitable for a range of tenants, addressing the substantial historic deficit in office space within Westminster. At ground floor, a rich and varied mix of uses provide active frontages to all elevations. Generously proportioned and flexible retail spaces allow for a range of subdivisions, suitable for a diverse mix of retail tenants. A new cultural and educational facility shall be operated by the Baker Street Quarter Partnership and will bring members of the community to the building and also provide a permanent home for an exhibition acknowledging the WWII activities of the Special Operations Executive. The proposals shall also include public realm improvements, including the redevelopment on Broadstone Place and relocation of the WCC green plaque.

Developed in response to stakeholder feedback, the proposed façade adopts a varied palette and diverse architectural treatment to reflect the varied context. Sculpted pre-cast concrete, projecting oriel bays and a language of facets and curves address the Baker Street frontage, whereas generous setbacks and terraces as well as shaped brick and stone detailing are used to mediate the building’s form and mass to Broadstone Place, Chiltern Street and beyond. Planted roof terraces, setback roofs and extensive urban greening provide a considered roof plane.

To the north of the site, a distinct but integrated building provides 17 bespoke residential properties, representing an increase on the homes on-site. The residential building has been located to the north-east of Broadstone Place, complimenting the quieter residential streets away from Baker Street as well as offering quieter privacy for future residents. With its private entry located on Dorset Street all residential properties will have private external amenity through integrated balconies forming an important part of the architectural design of the residential building.

Detailed design work continues, with site works anticipated to commence in early 2026.