An abandoned shopfront in West London is undergoing plans for transformation into a fashion store, pending council approval amidst local concerns.
An abandoned shopfront in West London, previously home to Santander Bank, is set to undergo a transformation into a fashion retail store. Located at 138 King’s Road in Chelsea, the Grade II listed building’s new tenant has yet to be disclosed, though refurbishment plans have been submitted by the applicant, CEM Kings Road SAGL.
The application currently before Kensington and Chelsea Council entails installing a new entrance and refreshing the building’s exterior. Originally built in the 19th century, the structure has a rich history, having also housed a Costa coffee bar and functioning as a pub known as the Markham Arms. Architectural features include bow bar windows framed by Corinthian columns and an upper iron balcony, which help define the building’s historical character.
CEM Kings Road SAGL is working with Geoffrey Darling Associates LLP for this project. In correspondence with the council, the applicant’s agent noted that the shop’s interior has undergone numerous changes over the years, resulting in a large open area that lacks significant architectural features aside from two lantern lights, which will be preserved and refurbished. The letter described plans to remove a contemporary raised section within the shop and revert the floor to its original levels while retaining the main open area.
The applicant highlighted the dilapidated state of the existing bank premises, claiming that the current corporate aesthetic detracts from the listed building’s historical value, particularly the classical façade at the ground level. Additionally, they asserted that converting the site into a clothing store would revitalize the property, ensuring its preservation and enhancing the overall street scene.
However, some local residents have expressed concerns regarding noise generated from an extraction duct located at the rear of the property, as well as potential disturbances caused by the construction process. Despite these objections, the council stated that noise from construction would not provide grounds for rejection of the application. It was also noted that an operating condition could be established for the duct, limiting its use to between 8 AM and 8 PM.
The council concluded its report on the application by emphasizing the heritage benefits of the proposed changes, such as the reinstatement of the central doorway on the building’s front elevation. Furthermore, the report asserted that the alterations would maintain a neutral impact on the site’s internal status and offer public benefits through improvements in accessibility.
CEM Kings Road SAGL is registered in Lugano, Switzerland, and has been active in the UK since March 2018. They own a nearby property at 128 King’s Road that is leased to the Italian fashion retailer Calzedonia, which specializes in women’s lingerie and swimwear.
As of now, there has been no comment from the company regarding the application, nor has the applicant’s agent disclosed the name of the fashion retailer slated to occupy the site. Kensington and Chelsea Council is scheduled to review the planning application on Tuesday, April 1.
Source: Noah Wire Services
