Westminster Fire Station Residential Restoration Victoria, Accommodation Building, London Housing

Westminster Fire Station Residential Restoration News

Alchemi Group Residential Development in central London design by Openstudio Architects, UK

10 Dec 2016

Westminster Fire Station Building Restoration News

Design: Openstudio Architects

Location: Victoria, Westminster, London, England

Westminster Fire Station Residential Property

Alchemi Group secures planning approval for residential restoration of Westminster Fire Station

Central London, design-led, development expert, Alchemi Group has secured planning approval on the 8th of December for its restoration of the Grade II listed Westminster Fire Station in Victoria.

Working with Openstudio Architects, the approved design will preserve and enhance the character and appearance of the listed property whilst bringing this disused fire station back into long-term use. The 22,830 ft² mixed-use development comprises two buildings and will provide 17 premier apartments, a restaurant and a refurbished garden courtyard.

A view of the former Westminster Fire Station on Greycoat Place, which will include a restaurant and apartments, along with an internal landscaped courtyard:

image : Openstudio Architects

The £13.5 restoration includes the demolition of the current modern rear building and its replacement with a hand-made brick residential building, including glazed brick detailing, which has been carefully designed to complement the grandeur and heritage of the listed front building. Remaining original period features will be refurbished throughout.

Laura Marino, Co-Founder and Creative Director, Alchemi Group said:
“We’re thrilled to be working on such a special, boutique project with Openstudio Architects. Westminster Fire Station expands our ever diversifying portfolio and our particular expertise working on listed buildings. It is an especially complicated site but our team worked diligently on coming up with clever solutions and designs to enhance this listed and new build development. We are also keeping the existing ground floor of the original fire station, adding a basement, and converting it to a restaurant which will hopefully become a neighbourhood favourite!”

Jennifer Beningfield, Principal, Openstudio Architects said:
“It is a significant achievement to have gained consent for this complex and fascinating project, which involves the sensitive restoration of the Grade II Listed Edwardian former Westminster Fire Station and a contemporary sculptural apartment building to the rear of the site.

We have carefully upgraded the historic fire station, with a light touch, while using the materials and vocabulary of the existing building to give depth and interest to the new construction, which will define an internal landscaped courtyard. Alchemi is a very supportive client, who understands and enjoys the challenge of the project, and this consent is a tribute to their vision and the hard work of the team. We look forward to creating a very special place in the heart of London.”

The former fire station, built in 1906, is situated on the north side of Greycoat Place between Strutton Ground and Artillery Place. The historic main section of the fire station is constructed in red brick with a rusticated Portland stone base typical of the period; a 2-storey courtyard extension was added in the 1990’s. It was decommissioned by LFB in January 2014 and sat empty until Alchemi, as Development Manager, managed the acquisition of the site from London Fire Brigade in July 2016. The project will start on site February 2017 with a provisional completion date of October 2018.

Alchemi Group

Alchemi Group has been creating distinguished, residential and mixed-use, Central London property since 1999 and is widely applauded for its unique design vision. With a current portfolio estimated at £860 million, Alchemi Group’s stellar trajectory continues apace with the just announced planning submission for its stunning, landmark redevelopment of 5 Strand.

Led by Charlie Baxter and Laura Marino, Alchemi Group works tirelessly with award-winning architects to create elegant developments, reflecting both location and history, and to provide both practical and beautiful spaces.

Alchemi Group is an exclusive, boutique development manager, affording much of its success to these simple truths; the best developments are a result of an intimate understanding of location, current market and trends, and purchaser profile. By sticking to these fundamentals, Alchemi Group delivers outstanding value for money for both investor and end-user.

Alchemi at a glance:
• Established in 1999
• Creator of design-led buildings
• Manages a current portfolio of £860 million in Central London real estate assets
• Builds on repeat business from satisfied investors

Website: http://www.alchemigroup.com/ Twitter: @Alchemi_Group | News: http://www.alchemigroup.com/news.html | LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/alchemi-group

Openstudio Architects

Openstudio Architects are a design practice engaged with contemporary architecture, interiors, furniture and landscape. Their work includes cultural, commercial and residential clients who are passionate about design.

They create projects of outstanding quality and poetic resonance; innovative work that responds to the immediate requirements of the brief, and yet has the flexibility to adapt over time. They layer their projects with meaning that is specific to the place in which they are built.

Openstudio design buildings and spaces that are spatially intelligent, thoughtfully detailed and enjoyable to use. Their work emphasizes the interaction of space, light and material, and a simplicity that endures over time.

The practice is based in London with a UK and International portfolio.

www.openstudioarchitects.com

Westminster Fire Station Residential Restoration image / information received Dec 2016

Location: Greycoat Place, Westminster, London, UK