Shell Centre plans unveiled by Qatari Diar and Canary Wharf

Early masterplan images for the 800-home redevelopment of London’s famous Shell Centre site have been unveiled by lead architect Squire & Partners.

The mixed-use scheme, developed in a joint venture by Qatari Diar and Canary Wharf Group, involves retaining the existing 27-storey Shell Centre tower opposite the London Eye on London’s south bank and building a cluster of towers around it up to 37-storeys high.

The draft masterplan for the five acre site comprises offices, around 800 flats, parking, retail and restaurant space and the possibility of a cultural or events building.

The plan also includes a public square, a semi-public and covered winter garden and an improved entrance for Waterloo tube station.

Details emerged as part of a public consultation with residents and businesses in the area which is due to conclude at the end of the week.

A spokeswoman for the joint venture developers said: “Our overall vision for the Shell Centre site is for it to be a permeable, well-designed mixed-use development that will complement its surroundings.

“The draft masterplan has already drawn on the views of around a thousand people, and we look forward to receiving further feedback as this important dialogue continues.”

Individual buildings are being designed by architects KPF, Patel Taylor and Grid Architects.

The joint venture was appointed by Shell to redevelop the site in July last year.

The oil company is planning to relocate its entire London workforce back to the redeveloped site on completion.