For almost ninety years number 55 Broadway, SW1, has been the headquarters of the various bodies responsible for conveying the public around London and now this magnificent building is deemed 'not fit for purpose' for Transport for London (TfL), who will be moving their new home at the Olympic Park by 2018.
The architect responsible for 55 Broadway, Charles Henry Holden (1875-1960), also designed a number of London underground stations such as the delightful Arnos Grove (1932), Cockfosters (1937), Osterley Park (1934) Piccadilly Circus (1925/8) as well as the old BMA building in the Strand (now Zimbabwe House) and the iconic Senate House of 1932 for the University of London.
55 Broadway, built 1927/9 and Grade Listed I since 2011, incorporates St James's underground station and the building is adorned with some wonderful sculpture executed by Henry Moore, Eric Gill and Jacob Epstein and is considered one of the best examples of Art Deco architecture in London. The building gave the capital perhaps its first taste of New York office building.
The architectural practice of TateHindle have been appointed to prepare the planning proposals for the redevelopment of this site, transforming much of the building into eighty-nine private 'luxury' apartments, complete with valet parking and a basement swimming pool. A new-build wing will be added to incorporate thirty-five 'affordable' flats, sadly these residents are not expected to have access to the privilege parking or the pool.
The plans will be put before Westminster Council for consideration sometime next year.
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