Plans to turn a vast chunk of Westfield London’s 104,000 sq ft House of Fraser department store into co-working space have been unanimously approved by Hammersmith & Fulham Council.
The council’s planning committee resolved to grant permission for the shopping centre’s proposals, submitted by landlord Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, this evening (21 July).
EG previously revealed Westfield London’s plans to split the department store into more than 60,000 sq ft of flexible workspace, as well as some retail. House of Fraser is in the process of vacating the property.
Councillors raised concerns over the smaller retail element retained in the proposals, and the challenges involved with letting the space in a difficult time for the market.
The proposals were recommended for approval last week, subject to conditions.
These included stipulations that development begins within three years of planning approval, and that no alternations should be carried out to the external appearance of the building. The latter is subject to separate applications.
The council said at the time that the proposed development has “demonstrable public benefits which constitute material considerations that are considered to outweigh the loss of a large anchor tenant”.
EG separately understands that URW will consider launching its own co-working offering to occupy the space, if talks with prospective operators do not progress.
Montagu Evans is URW’s planning adviser on the proposals.
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