As the public inquiry into the Pilbrow & Partners-designed scheme gets under way, Westminster councillor Jessica Toale tells the Architects’ Journal (AJ) why the retailer should retrofit it, not raze it.
image: for illustration only – Gary Rogers/Marks and Spencer. Commons Wikimedia
… urge all of the industry to embrace the challenge of re-using and adapting existing structures to new needs…
Jessica Toale writes in AJ:
Oxford Street is one of London’s most famous and historic streets, well-known and loved by visitors and residents alike… The West End is no stranger to architectural controversy…
The latest controversy surrounds the future of the Marks & Spencer building at 458 Oxford Street. I welcomed the decision to call in the planning application to demolish the building for public scrutiny..
… I would urge all of the industry to embrace the challenge of re-using and adapting existing structures to new needs. M&S could set an example for other owners and investors across the country…
