The former Debenhams flagship at 334-348 Oxford Street, W1, has been given the green light for a major offices overhaul.
Westminster councillors debated the impact on the nearby Grade I listed St Peter’s Church, along with servicing arrangements and the “stopping-up” of pedestrian areas.
However, committee members welcomed the proposals and in particular the investment into Oxford Street, giving the scheme their unanimous approval this week.
Under the proposals, owner Ramsbury Property International Holding will add more levels to the seven-storey department store to provide ground and nine upper floors, and a deepened basement level.
The changes would include extending its office floorspace to nearly 377,000 sq ft, from 88,600 sq ft, and shrinking its retail provision to around 72,400 sq ft, from circa 273,400 sq ft.
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