The developers have agreed to come back with new designs for the area.
Proposals to build the skyscraper on the site of the former Royal Mail sorting office at 31 London Street were brought forward by Singapore-owned Great Western Developments in partnership with Irvine Sellar, the man behind the Shard. [See our previous report here.]
The scheme, called Paddington Place but dubbed the Paddington Pole, was designed by Renzo Piano, the same architect that designed the Shard for Irvine Sellar.
While there was support for the plan from Network Rail, Transport for London and the Greater London Authority, many individuals were concerned about the height and impact of such a tower in west London.
Westminster City Council leader Philippa Roe said: “I am delighted that we have been able to work together with the developer, this is a very positive step and will allow time for us all to bring forward a development that enjoys broader community support and that we jointly believe will deliver enormous benefits to Westminster and London. We remain committed to ensuring that all the benefits of the original scheme are retained in the revised plans.
“Our Paddington opportunity area makes up the largest regeneration area within Westminster and is a site of strategic importance in London. This kind of major investment in the city is vital to provide an environment where business can thrive, creating new jobs to help people achieve their aspirations and to tackle the blight of unemployment. Schemes such as this act as a catalyst for additional investment and will really kick start and boost regeneration in that area.
“As the local authority, we will always seek to strike the right balance between supporting successful schemes in Westminster, which will really benefit local people, London and the country for generations to come with the impact that development can have on existing communities. It is only through open dialogue and engagement between developers and local communities that, together, we will ensure Westminster’s continued success as the economic powerhouse of London and a place where all should be able to benefit from the city’s continued success.”
Sellar Property Group/GWD stated: “We have always believed that successful development is a collaborative process, involving the developer, council and community and look forward to delivering a development in Paddington of which Westminster and its residents can be proud.”
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