Work involves upgrading 19th century warehouse
City of London planners have given their backing for a Ben Adams Architects-designed refurbishment of a 19th century wool warehouse near Spitalfields Market.
The practice’s proposals for 21 New Street supersede a 1980s office conversion and will see the building given a new concrete core, set to be integrated within its existing cast iron and timber structure.
Meanwhile, the building’s sixth-floor mansard roof will be replaced with a three-storey extension clad in a mix of perforated, opaque and textured panels that contrast with its original buff masonry. The project is expected to add a total 2,100sq m of new floorspace.
Ben Adams said the proposals targeted a Breeam “excellent” rating and would also enhance the public realm with a new courtyard and a public thoroughfare connecting New Street to Catherine Wheel Alley.
“This is a great opportunity to reinvent this historic building, and the public space that surrounds it,” he said.
“We want to reinvigorate the courtyard and make sure that more people have access to it, contributing even in a small way to a more open city.”
The practice’s proposals also involve the conversion of a basement-level car park to create 325sq m of commercial office space along with bike spaces, showers and changing rooms.
The building, which is behind Bishopsgate Police Station, is currently occupied by banking and financial services businesses, as well as being used for some police functions. It was bought by Aviva Investors Property Trust for around £30 million in 2014.
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