Renewed Landmark: A Revitalization Story
The Whiteley Redevelopment: A Blend of Heritage and Innovation in London's Queensway
The Whiteley redevelopment, a significant transformation project in Bayswater and Queensway, London, is underway. This ambitious project, managed by Foster + Partners and main contractor Laing O'Rourke, is a harmonious marriage of restoration and innovation, heritage and contemporary needs.
The Whiteley, originally opened in 1911 and expanded in 1925, is a Grade II listed building that had suffered from decades of ad hoc alterations. However, the redevelopment aims to revive this historically significant shopping landmark, reimagining it as a world-class mixed-use development.
The project balances the restoration of historic features like the façade and cupola with modern additions. A key player in this process is Radmat's PermaQuik Hot-Melt Waterproofing System, which provides an advanced waterproofing solution integral to the regeneration project. This system, installed with a 40-year guarantee and BBA Certification, helps protect the structure from water ingress, supporting the building’s revitalization.
The PermaQuik system is not just limited to the main structure. In harder-to-access heritage balconies, ReadySeal Liquid Applied Waterproofing Membrane was applied to ensure waterproofing. Meanwhile, the construction team used Radmat's Protherm G XPS X 300 SL insulation and EshaFlex bitumen membranes for the podiums, terraces, green roofs, and main roof areas.
The Whiteley redevelopment is designed to support and uplift the wider neighbourhood, offering residential, retail, hotel, and leisure uses. It includes 139 high-spec residences, 20 shops, cafes, and restaurants, a luxury cinema, a premium gym, and the UK's first Six Senses hotel and spa. The development encourages constant footfall and diverse interactions, positioning Queensway as a vibrant and sustainable district.
The Queensway facade of the Whiteley redevelopment has been carefully restored, reinstating original features such as the cupola and upper floor glazing. The public realm enhances pedestrian movement and draws light and activity into the building, fostering a renewed sense of place along Queensway. The newly created public courtyard, accessed via a reinstated retail arcade at the original entrance, serves as the social heart of the development, lined with eateries and shops and enlivened by the presence of the cinema and leisure spaces.
The Whiteley redevelopment prioritizes sustainability and ethical sourcing, aiming for a BREEAM 'Excellent' rating. Strict criteria for materials such as timber, stone, glass, and marble have been set to ensure environmental responsibility in the project.
The Six Senses hotel is conceived as a hub for the local community, with open-access amenities like its bar, restaurant, and wellness spaces. The development, through architectural sensitivity, urban integration, and a forward-looking design ethos, repositions Queensway as a vibrant and sustainable district.
In conclusion, the Whiteley redevelopment is a testament to the power of blending heritage with innovation, creating a space that not only preserves the past but also caters to the needs of the present and future. With its focus on sustainability, community engagement, and diverse offerings, it is set to become a beacon in the heart of London's Queensway.
[1] Foster + Partners. (2021). The Whiteley. Retrieved from https://www.fosterandpartners.com/projects/the-whiteley/ [2] Laing O'Rourke. (2021). The Whiteley. Retrieved from https://www.laingorourke.com/projects/the-whiteley-redevelopment
- The Whiteley redevelopment, positioned in the heart of London's Queensway, is not only a revitalization of a historic building but also an opportunity for investing in real estate that prioritizes sustainability and community engagement, offering a blend of heritage and innovation.
- As part of the Whiteley redevelopment, the project has emphasized environmentally responsible choices, aiming to finance developments that adhere to stringent criteria for materials while catering to contemporary needs, thereby setting a precedent for future real-estate investments in the region.
