Planning approval has been granted for The William, a new mixed-use development which is set to transform the northern end of Queensway in Bayswater, London. This is the latest phase of a major redevelopment project for the area, improving and building on the high street’s offering as a shopping, dining and travel destination for the capital.
Patrick Campbell, Senior Partner, Foster + Partners, said: “Working closely with Westminster City Council and local residents, we have designed a mixed-use development that sets the standard for the next generation of low carbon, healthy office buildings. The William provides natural ventilation, great daylight, flexible floorplates and green terraces – all within a high-performance façade and a hybrid timber structure. We are now looking forward to bringing our designs to life.”
The William will be built using cross-laminated timber, making it one of London’s largest timber developments and Foster + Partners’ first timber office building in the capital. The construction of The William is projected to be BREEAM Outstanding, and the building will be operationally net-zero carbon upon completion.
With six floors of office space alongside shops and 32 new homes, 11 of which will be affordable, The William is an integral part of the revitalisation of Bayswater. The development is named after William Whiteley, the eponymous founder of the nearby Whiteleys department store located on the opposite side of the road, which is also being redeveloped by Foster + Partners. The Whiteley will offer a further 139 world-class apartments, 19 new shops and restaurants, as well as London’s flagship Six Senses Hotel and Spa.
The William’s modern design has sustainability and wellness at its heart. The building features a series of connected, light-filled spaces that provide a calm and inspiring working environment. A dramatic and welcoming double-height lobby features organic materials, biophilic design and art installations. Biodiverse terraces and rooftop spaces offer spectacular views across Hyde Park, while ground floor retail units activate the high street and mirror The Whiteley, on the opposite side of the road.
