The Secretary of State has given the green light to redevelop the Marble Arch site in Oxford Street, marking a significant milestone in urban regeneration.
The plan to redevelop Marble Arch, having faced a series of setbacks since its initial proposal in March 2021, has finally secured approval. Initially, the plan met resistance and was rejected by the former Secretary of State, Michael Gove, in July 2023. The rejection cited concerns over the impact on nearby landmarks and the proposal’s carbon footprint due to lack of reutilisation of existing structures. Undeterred, the proponents lodged an appeal in February of the following year.
The landmark decision allows the commencement of a redevelopment project envisioned to breathe new life into the iconic Oxford Street area. The new construction aims to set a benchmark for sustainability in the retail sector. The building is anticipated to have a design life of 120 years and is expected to achieve carbon payback within 11 years post-construction. Sustainability metrics include recovering, recycling or reusing 95% of materials from the current site and reducing water consumption by half.
M&S CEO Stuart Machin expressed satisfaction with the decision, declaring, ‘I am delighted that, after three unnecessary years of delays… our plans have finally been approved.’ According to Machin, the project will contribute to rejuvenating the UK’s premier shopping street through a rejuvenated retail outlet and office space that could support up to 2,000 jobs. He emphasised the commitment to align with the government’s urban development goals, stating a readiness to expedite the development process.
The redevelopment plans, however, had faced criticism for initially failing to balance public benefits with conservation needs. Critics pointed out the potential harm to designated conservation areas around Marble Arch and its impact on iconic landmarks. However, the project’s revised blueprint strives to mitigate these concerns. Machin highlighted the site’s complexity, comprising three distinct buildings of varying ages and sizes, posing challenges to modernisation efforts without redevelopment.
A critical element of the plan is its focus on minimising environmental impact. The newly approved building is set to be among the top 1% in London for sustainable performance. It is projected to use less than a quarter of the energy consumed by the existing structure.
The approval marks a strategic victory for proponents of modern retail architecture, demonstrating a shift towards integrating sustainability with urban development.
The approval for the Marble Arch redevelopment signifies not only a step forward in modern retail architecture but also a commitment to sustainable urban growth. This project is poised to set a new standard for future developments.
