From BHS to Gothic revival: Oxford Street tower lined up for cathedral-inspired rebuild

"A familiar Oxford Street landmark, once home to the London College of Fashion and British Home Stores, could be in line for a rather unexpected reinvention - a rebuild inspired by medieval cathedral architecture. The original complex was completed in 1958 under the plot-ratio rules introduced in 1947, which encouraged taller structures set back behind lower street-frontages. Hence, the classic mid-century "podium with tower" form as seen here."

"The site's owner now proposes retaining and refurbishing the tower, while demolishing most of the podium, including the former college block. That structure was built with lightweight materials so it could perch atop the podium, but it hasn't aged well. Columns also dominate the retail floor to support the building above, but modern buildings don't need as many thanks to stronger materials."

"Also, as part of the deal, the college received its share of the building for a nominal rent, but it is now part of the University of the Arts London, and moved to Stratford in 2023. For decades, British Home Stores occupied the ground floor as its flagship store, until the chain collapsed in 2016. Since then, the retail units have hosted a revolving cast of unremarkable tenants, while the offices above have grown tired, partially empty, and in need of refurbishment."

The complex was completed in 1958 under 1947 plot-ratio rules that encouraged taller structures set back behind lower street-frontages, creating the mid-century 'podium with tower' form. A southern 'South Bar' block housed the London College of Fashion; the college relocated to Stratford in 2023. British Home Stores occupied the ground-floor flagship until the chain collapsed in 2016; retail units subsequently cycled through unremarkable tenants while offices became tired and partially empty. The owner proposes demolishing most of the podium, refurbishing and retaining the tower, reusing roughly half the existing fabric. New office and retail floors will employ a modern funicular, fan-vault-inspired structure to cut concrete use.

Read at ianVisits