Land Securities has announced that it has submitted a planning application for its Selborne House development on Victoria Street in Westminster. The submission is part of Land Securities' vision for Victoria Street and part of its wider long-term commitment to re-invigorate the Victoria area.

The detailed plans, submitted to Westminster City Council for consideration, seek permission for a new high quality mixed use development that will encompass approximately 408,505 sq ft of premium office accommodation arranged over 12 floors together with 17,718 sq ft of retail space fronting Victoria Street. The current Selborne House, an outdated 1960s office building, is located at the junction of Victoria Street to the south and Buckingham Palace Gate to the east.

The proposed new design for Selborne House, from internationally renowned Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, will enhance the existing streetscape, which is currently dominated by post-war reconstruction, by featuring a façade made up of a series of folding planes designed to respond to the surrounding buildings. The proposals also provide a significantly improved public realm including high quality retail and restaurants at ground floor level which will enhance the amenities and shopping experience of Victoria Street, together with a covered landscaped arcade with a soft seating area.


The plans have been sensitively thought out, taking into consideration the views from local Royal Parks and the surrounding listed buildings.

The development will deliver cutting edge sustainability, making use of technologies that will reduce carbon emissions, maximise use of intelligent building management systems, future-proof mechanical services and renewable energy generation sources, and will include a green wall. The residential component will be delivered in Wellington House and will be the subject of a separate planning application shortly.

Colette O'Shea, Head of Development for Land Securities' London Portfolio, said: "This is a landmark week for Land Securities as we demonstrate our commitment and vision for the future of Victoria. Our new development at Selborne House will benefit the area greatly. Not only will it create a fresh commercial environment, it will also supply new retail and leisure provision for the local community.

"We have recently submitted the VTI2 planning application and together these schemes will upgrade the environment of Victoria Street and will create investment and stimulate regeneration of the wider area."

Subject to planning consent, work on the scheme could start as early as April 2009.

(CD/JM)