Derwent London gets Turnmill scheme go-ahead
A London-based commercial property company has received planning permission for a new office scheme on the site of an historic building in Farringdon.
Derwent London (Derwent) has secured planning consent for a new office development on the site of the Turnmill building in the Farringdon and Clerkenwell area of London. Derwent plans to demolish the existing building and replace it with a 70,000 sq ft, six-storey office block (pictured).
Originally constructed in 1887, the Turnmill building was used as stables by the Great Northern Railway company until around 1930. The building has subsequently been used as a wine warehouse, a popular night club and following refurbishment in the 1980’s as serviced offices for small businesses.
The Turnmill has been the subject of several redevelopment schemes in recent years. Derwent had previously failed to gain approval for a redevelopment of the site but finally succeeded with a revised, smaller office scheme last week. The decision to award planning consent has been met with criticism by several conservation groups including English Heritage, Save Britain’s Heritage and the Victorian Society. Attempts to attain Listed status for the Turnmill have been rejected on the grounds that the building has had too many alterations.
Islington Council planning committee, commenting on their decision said: “The new building is considered to be of exceptional design. Officers are of the view that the proposal would maintain character and appearance of the Clerkenwell Green Conservation Area.”
Construction of the speculative scheme is expected to start in 2012. Architects for the scheme are Piercy Conner.
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