City of London

Architects’ Journal and the Evening Standard report on the demolition plans for the London Wall West. The much-debated plans are expected for approval by planning officers.

BE News reports that Landsec approved the redevelopment of Hill House, which will provide for new Grade A office space and re-provision of the existing Shoe Lane Library.

Property Week reports that Great Portland Estates signed off £22.5m of leases in the year to the end of March, at 9.1% above the March 2023 estimated rental values, according to its latest business update.

Building magazine reports that David Walker Architects has submitted fresh plans for a 22-storey City office block on a site near Moorgate that has been eyeing redevelopment since 1997. The latest version of Tenter House scheme is the seventh application for the site in 27 years

Chris Hayward, Policy Chairman of the City of London Corporation, wrote in City AM about the ongoing success of the Square Mile and how the City is showing leadership and resilience in economic growth, sustainability and communities.

City of Westminster

The Evening Standard reports on proposals for a large food market at Oxford Street to replace existing souvenir and candy stores. The planning committee will consider this application on Tuesday 16th April.

The Evening Standard also reports that the revival of Oxford Street is being boosted by a “once-in-a-100-year” transformation of the empty House of Fraser flagship into a huge office, shops, restaurant, gym and swimming pool complex. The £132 million project at 318 Oxford Street is on course for completion next year despite the massive engineering challenges presented by the modernisation of the crumbling 1930s German art deco building.

Property Week reports that North Wind Capital buys vacant Mayfair mixed-use property for £35m. The investment office made the acquisition using an 18-month bridging loan from Cohort Capital.

Property Week reports that London’s West End Investment market slumps 20% in the first quarter. Savills Data shows that the fall reflects ongoing caution among buyers and sellers.

Hackney

Architects’ Journal reports that Hawkins\Brown has secured planning for a shared living scheme at Hackney Wick, five years after winning approval for a hotel on the same site. The London Legacy Development Corporation’s (LLDC) planning committee first approved the practice’s plans for 34-38 Wallis Road in 2019, backing a 240-room hotel-led development. The six-storey scheme included 1,400m² of workspace, 514m² of flexible retail and a restaurant, plus public realm and landscaping on the 0.2 ha site, which is used for storing skips.

Hammersmith & Fulham

Property week reports that Sports Direct is to open two flagship Westfield stores. One of these will be located at the Westfield in White City.

Islington

Housing Today reports that Islington and Shoreditch Housing Association (ISHA) has appointed a new director of development. Jerome Geoghegan, who has previously had development and planning roles at L&Q and Telford Homes, said he was “eager to contribute to creating quality, affordable housing.” Geoghegan has over 35 years experience in real estate and development, working on regeneration and affordable housing projects, mixed-purpose urban developments and partnerships.

Kensington and Chelsea

Architects’ Journal reports that the publication of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s final report has been pushed back again in the third major delay to the process. The inquiry team had hoped to release its second and final report about the fatal fire before the seventh anniversary on 14 June. It is the third time the inquiry team has delayed publication of the report. Initially due in late 2023, it was delayed until early 2024 last May, and further delayed until summer 2024 in November.

Property Week reports that Maya Capital has purchased 24,228 sq ft of retail and showroom space at 137-167 Fulham Road for an undisclosed price.

Lambeth

Property Week reports that The Church Commissioners for England has agreed a 15-year lease with the National Theatre on a 36,000 sq ft warehouse in South Bermondsey. The site will store props, costume and scenery and was chosen for its proximity to the theatre’s South Bank home.

Tower Hamlets

Property Week and its sister title Construction News will be joining forces to deliver forces to deliver a new conference, Life Sciences & Research Clusters, to take place on 27th June at the Hilton Canary Wharf. The conference will be a hub for construction professionals, real estate advisers, investors and developers.

EG Radius reports that Lateral, in a joint adventure with HIG, has submitted plans for the delivery of a lab building on a half-acre site at 100-136 Cavell Street.