Make wins Crown Estate project in West End

Ken Shuttleworth’s Make Architects is one of three practices to win part of a prestigious £400m project to redevelop two blocks in the heart of London’s West End - including their associated backstreets.

Crown Estate has commissioned Make, along with Tate Hindle, and Paul Davis & Partners, to develop plans for 300,000 sq ft of flats, offices, and retail on three sites between Haymarket and Lower Regent Street.

Make Architects is responsible for the lead scheme in the project, dubbed St James’s Market. It will see two blocks of retail, restaurant, and lesiure space created, with the 14-20 Regent Street block retaining the building’s current facade and the replacement of the building currently at 52-56 Haymarket.

The project will also see the creation of a 10,000 sq ft pedestrian square with public art.

Crown Estate head of development Alastair Smart said the regeneration of St James’s Market was an opportunity to revive a “neglected location” and bring it back into line with the area’s historic surroundings.

“Our long term vision for the area will protect St James’s distinct niche in the West End office market, enhance its position as a stimulating and eclectic shopping and dining destination, create new homes, improve the public realm and above all, protect St James’s celebrated heritage,” he said.

The St James’s Market proposals also include two associated development schemes which will create 40,000 sq ft of new housing, ranging from one bedroom apartments to a four bedroom family home.

Crown Estate is still in discussion with Westminster City Council over the provision of affordable housing.

A public consultation exercise is underway and Crown Estate aims to submit a planning application by the summer.