The Guardian reports that Westminster’s planning director, John Walker, told councillors concerned about the vacant homes at 1-4 Castle Lane (Alexandra Buildings on Buildington): "The planning consent to upgrade and convert the buildings into new affordable housing was linked to converting Portland House into private residential, but as the market has changed, Landsec have said they no longer intend to implement the scheme”.

Read more from The Guardian theguardian.co.uk.

Land Securites Portland House is now fully occupied following the letting of 16,500 sq ft to Ten Alps, reports Tuckerman Chartered Surveyors. This completes almost 270,000 sq ft of office lettings and re-gears in the last twelve months.

Tuckerman was joint agents with CBRE.

Land Securities is in negotiations to extend leases to June 2016 while we continue to progress our detailed design for the residential conversion.

Source: Land Securities Third Quarter Interim Management Statement 22. January 2014 www.landsecurities.com

Land Securities has submitted an exciting new planning application to remodel and extensively refurbish Portland House, SW1 in Victoria. The proposals are to convert the existing office building which stands at 101 metres, into 206 residential apartments whilst creating additional retail at street level. A new canopy to Cardinal Place, SW1 and significant landscaping are also planned as part of an upgrade to the public realm. The scheme, which has been designed by internationally acclaimed architect Sir David Chipperfield, is also linked to the delivery of 63 affordable homes at nearby Castle Lane, for which planning consent has already been granted.

The plans were submitted following public consultation in which Land Securities met with a variety of community groups, local residents, councillors and businesses. This included a public exhibition to which 2,000 residents were invited.

Colette O’Shea, Head of Development for the London Portfolio said:

“The planning application we are bringing forward is an exciting opportunity to bring new life to a landmark building in the heart of Victoria, in tandem with the rest of our planned regeneration in the area. By completely remodelling the building, we will provide a residential building of exceptional design and quality which will include facilities for its residents. This is the latest and largest of our residential development projects, which will have a hugely beneficial impact on the whole of Victoria. We will improve the surrounding public areas and provide much needed affordable housing in nearby Castle Lane SW1.”

Land Securities is reportedly thinking of turning the office building into 250 apartments.

Source: Financial Times http://www.ft.com/cms/s/2/abf93dfa-4d92-11e1-bb6c-00144feabdc0.html#axzz1m45N6kVD