Vivienne Westwood's south London headquarters set for stunning makeover

"Wandsworth Council has approved the fashion brand's plans to modernise and extend two buildings, in Battersea, to support its international growth. The redevelopment means Vivienne Westwood's headquarters will stay in Battersea, which the brand has called home since 1995. The new building will bring together all of the company's departments under one roof as part of a restructuring of the fashion house, while providing more space for the brand's expected growth over the next 15 years."

"The central and northern parts of the building on Elcho Street will be extended by four and eight storeys, while the front part of another building facing Howie Street will be extended by two storeys. This will create the new headquarters, reaching up to ten storeys tall, which will have an appearance inspired by the brand's iconic tartan designs. The scheme will keep as much of the existing buildings as possible, but parts of them will be demolished."

"It said: In addition to the obvious corporate efficiency benefits in remaining at its home' in Elcho Street and expanding and enhancing its operation, the applicant also seeks to strengthen existing local business, community and educational networks that have been cultivated over time within what is increasingly being referred to as the Battersea Design Quarter."

Vivienne Westwood will modernize and extend its Battersea headquarters, consolidating all departments and accommodating projected growth over the next 15 years. Wandsworth Council approved plans to extend two buildings on Elcho and Howie streets, adding up to eight storeys at the rear and two at the front to create a new headquarters reaching up to ten storeys. The design is inspired by the brand's tartan and will retain as much existing fabric as possible while demolishing some parts. A new basement will house archives, with ground-floor reception. The expansion aims to support international growth and strengthen local business and educational networks.

Read at www.standard.co.uk