UK: Developer Groveworld secured a resolution to grant planning permission from Camden Council to create new homes, office space and an aparthotel at 330 Gray’s Inn Road – the former home of the Royal Throat, Nose and Ear Hospital.
The proposals, designed by Stirling Prize winning architects AHMM, include the delivery of 72 new homes – 50 per cent of which will be designated as affordable housing. They will also deliver more than 14,000 square metres of office space, a public courtyard and open green space.
Ben Davis and Adam Lowenthal of Saxbury, and Savills, are jointly advising Groveworld on the 182-room aparthotel which is envisioned as “a new communal and leisure asset where people can work from, socialise with friends and take advantage of new amenity facilities, including a restaurant, café and gym”.
Groveworld’s senior development manager Ross Jacobson said: ”This is a significant milestone for an exciting project and our plans to revitalise 330 Gray’s Inn Road have been shaped by an extensive programme of engagement over the last 18 months with the London Borough of Camden and the local community. The designs will create an exciting new community that, aside from providing much-needed new homes for the borough, will deliver a mix of open spaces and high-quality facilities our residents and neighbours can enjoy. Our hope is that this will become an important site in the Knowledge Quarter as it continues to grow and flourish.”
Daniel Austin, CEO at ASK, who provided finance for the acquisition of the site, said: “ASK are delighted to have helped fund the acquisition of this unique site, with significant urban regeneration potential. Groveworld has been truly committed to this exceptional scheme and we were thrilled that the project now has the green light. Its ultra-modern lab-enabled office facilities will hugely enhance the Knowledge Quarter, alongside improved housing stock, leisure and accessibility, bringing a substantial uplift to this area of King’s Cross. It will be exciting to see Groveworld’s fantastic vision for the development progress.”
The application will now be referred to the GLA and works are expected to start early next year.
