Despite recent problems within construction such as material and labour shortages, the industry generally is booming! Central London is no stranger to impressive building projects, and the next few years will see this trend continue. Some major projects to watch in and around Central London include:-
Stanza London, an office building in Central London, will be the city’s next landmark, designed by architects Make. When the £400m, 34 storey building concept was unveiled however, it quickly took on the handle of ‘Gotham City’. This is due to its resemblance to the home of popular fictional character Batman. This is no coincidence, as the structure has been designed to echo classic North American skyscrapers which were built in the early 20th century. This imposing and attractive style of building is regularly seen in the Batman movies.
Mace was chosen as the contractor, who will use innovative and efficient digital modelling methods to complete the project. 2023 is the expected completion date, and the sight was secured in 2021 [just in case ‘urban explorers’ cause problems]. These are trespassers who enter building sites in order to film their antics and post the videos online.
This project was due to be finished in December 2018, when the Queen was booked to cut the ceremonial ribbon. The Elizabeth line is now hoped to be opened between February and June 2022. Fingers and toes are crossed here though, as the dates approach, as there have been numerous delays and missed deadlines. Bond Street station has been extremely problematic, and its likely completion date remains elusive. In 2020, Crossrail took control of the work, but are not being very forthcoming about expectations for completion dates.
It’s all go in West Kensington, as the redevelopment of the London Olympia Exhibition Centre commences. The £1.3bn scheme is well underway and the process of demolition of the Olympia Central Hall has started. The Olympia National and Olympia Grand, are Grade II listed buildings so will be integrated into the new design. The project will see the centre transformed into a 1,575-seat theatre, the largest in London since the National Theatre opened in 1976. Seven new buildings are planned which will include two hotels and a live music venue with a capacity of 4,400. The completion date for this major project is expected to be 2024. As with many modern construction projects, a large proportion of the structures will be manufactured offsite.
A 400m project will see the former US Embassy at 30 Grosvenor Square in Mayfair, transformed into a luxury hotel. The grade 11-listed building, will retain the striking gilded eagle that graces the facade. The new hotel designed by architect David Chipperfield, and run by Rosewood, will have 139 rooms. Work is being carried out by Multiplex for Renowned developer Qatari Diar Europe. The hotel will boast luxury suites and a grand ballroom to entertain 750 people. There will also be additions such as retail spaces and a public realm upgrade, with proposed completion set for 2024.
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