Oxford Street's old BHS could become cultural hub

"A site formerly home to BHS and the UAL College of Fashion in London's Oxford Street could be turned into a new retail and cultural hub. The plans for 33 Cavendish Square, submitted by Berkeley Estate Asset Management (BEAM) and Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF), include office space, new shops and an auditorium and events area. John Bushell, from KPF, said the proposals were an "important step in the rejuvenation of Oxford Street"."

"The proposal includes 807,293 sq ft (75,000 sq m) of office space and a 37,673 sq ft (3,500 sq m) cultural hub, with an auditorium for events such as TED talks, product launches and fashion shows. It is hoped that the site would generate more than 550m annually and provide almost 4,500 jobs once complete, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service."

"BHS occupied the site from 1961 until 2016 when it went into administration. UAL College of Fashion left following its relocation to new facilities at the Olympic Park. Some of the building is currently used as office space. If approved by Westminster City Council, works are anticipated to start in 2029 and run until 2033. Mr Bushell said the building would provide a "greatly improved retail space to help attract world-leading brands into the nation's high street"."

Plans by Berkeley Estate Asset Management (BEAM) and Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) propose transforming 33 Cavendish Square on Oxford Street into a mixed-use retail, cultural and office hub. The design includes 807,293 sq ft (75,000 sq m) of office space and a 37,673 sq ft (3,500 sq m) cultural hub with an auditorium for TED talks, product launches and fashion shows. The site aims to generate more than £550m annually and provide almost 4,500 jobs. Works are anticipated to start in 2029 and run until 2033 if approved by Westminster City Council. The development seeks to revitalize retail space and attract world-leading brands.

Read at www.bbc.com