Greycoat Stores

One of greatest joys of architecture is not necessarily producing a new building, but reviving an existing one – particularly one with historic importance – that’s fallen into disrepair and obscurity. That’s precisely our aim with Greycoat Stores, a heritage structure located at the prominent Greycoat Place junction in the heart of Westminster, just south of the hustle and bustle of Victoria Street. SPPARC’s refurbishment will create a 90,000 sq ft flagship mixed-used development comprising six floors of premium workspace, with 5,000 sq ft of retail and leisure facilities on the ground and lower ground floors, and a 4,000 sq ft restaurant.

Greycoat Stores was built in the 1890s and functioned as a department store until the Second World War, at which point it was transformed into a warehouse for the Army and Navy Co-operative Society. Renovations to the original red brick facade in the 1950s covered the principal elevation fronting Greycoat Place with bland cement render. This move largely extinguished the building’s identity and sense of belonging in the broader Westminster townscape, which was comprised of countless other brick buildings, including several warehouses belonging to the Army and Navy.

SPPARC’s replacement facade celebrates the original building by bringing back the red brick and decorative playfulness of the Victorian design. The characterful new concept features stepped piers in the mid-section which terminate as columns at ground level, with double-height, oval Crittall-style windows that stretch across the elevation and are framed by finely detailed spandrels. Circular windows punctuate the fifth storey, demarcating where the new two-storey, zinc and glass roof extension begins.

In addition to the spirit of the original facade, we’re also retaining the existing steel structure and floor plates. Inside, we’re exposing and bringing back to life a number of historical features, such as the steel beams and brickwork. At ground floor, an articulated timber portal delivers a warm material complement and welcomes people to the office reception and cafe. Tenants have access to two staircases that flank the lobby, as well as lifts whose articulated brickwork interior mimics the external cladding patterns. Cyclists are well catered for, with 190 parking spaces in the basement, while the new sixth and seventh storeys feature roof terraces with views of the Palace of Westminster. The development aims to achieve BREEAM Excellent and WiredScore Platinum.

SPPARC’s ambitious proposal will re-establish Greycoat Stores by creating a lively, welcoming environment for workers, residents and passersby. The reimagined building will fulfill the site’s potential while respecting its historical context and current residential and educational neighbours – ultimately proving a worthy centrepiece to the street.