Built originally in the 1980’s as a seven storey office block, Bavaria House had reached the end of its operational life. Acquired by Masterworks Development Corporation in 2014, plans began to redevelop the site transforming the existing 5,996 sqm office space to 11,690 sqm office and 16,663 sqm hotel accommodation with additional retail and restaurant space at ground level.
Project Objective
To create a new dual purpose 45 storey building accommodating offices and long stay business hotel facilities to serve the needs of City based occupants. The proposal was for a 156m tall tower which would more than quadruple the space of the original building on a limited 0.11ha footprint. The hotel alone would provide some 392 rooms.
Role of DP9
DP9 was appointed by Masterworks upon acquisition of the site to devise the planning strategy and lead negotiations with the London Borough of Hackney, the Mayor of London, Historic England and other key stakeholders and community bodies.
Key Challenge
The site presented considerable constraints as not only is it located within the protected vista of St Paul’s Cathedral from Westminster Pier making the development of a 45 storey building a key challenge, it was also previously protected for office use only. DP9 was instrumental in overcoming these challenges as was the design of the building which was praised for its bold and distinctive design.
45 storey City office and hotel tower
Barnaby Collins
Director
A founding member of DP9 in 2004, Barnaby has over 30 years’ experience advising on development opportunities for International and UK investors, developers and occupiers across private and public sectors. Barnaby specialises in complex development schemes in London and the South East including major commercial and residential developments and those involving listed buildings and conservation areas. Barnaby also takes an active role in industry bodies such as the City Architecture Forum and City Property Association.
