Soho Square, Soho, London, W1D

A rare opportunity to acquire a Grade II* Listed freehold building overlooking the iconic Soho Square.

Description

A rare opportunity to acquire a Grade II* Listed freehold building overlooking the iconic Soho Square.

The building dates back to 1677, but was extensively rebuilt in 1768 as an upmarket townhouse.

Since it has been home to numerous aristocrats including Sir Comport Fytche, the 2nd Baronet of Eltham, George Mackenzie, the 3rd Earl of Cromarty and in the latter part of the eighteenth Century, the Neapolitan envoy to London. Today, the building is Grade II* listed and is set out as offices and production studios with ancillary areas. It currently provides 6,236 Sq Ft of internal space arranged over lower ground, ground and three upper floors. The property is accessed via an attractive ground floor reception area and is serviced with air-conditioning and a lift to all floors.

13 Soho Square is a Grade II* listed building located within the Soho Conservation Area and the Core Central Activities Zone. The property comprises of lower ground, ground and first to third floor levels. The building is currently occupied as office accommodation, therefore will attract SDLT at 5% of the purchase price.

The consented scheme comprises detailed plans for the conversion of the building into a superb five-bedroom townhouse with a truly prestigious and unique address. The building will benefit from a new roof terrace, an enlarged roof lantern and a range of characterful original features.

Proposed accommodation includes: reception room, family room, dining room, living room, kitchen, five en-suite bedrooms, dressing room, entertainment room, study, rear roof terrace off principal suite, storage and plant/utility room and replacement of the existing elevator serving all floors up to the new roof terrace.

In 2021 Planning permission was granted by Westminster City Council for change of use to a single family dwelling (Use Class C3), with alterations to all floor levels including integration of a large floor roof terrace and replacement roof lantern. Internal alterations are proposed throughout the building including to the main staircase and incorporating environmental improvements.

Application is filed under reference number 20/06844/FULL. Listed building consent was simultaneously granted under reference number 20/06845/LBC.

Initial works have already begun at the property to implement the 2021 planning permission for residential use and these works may lawfully continue.

The illustrated CGI’s give a very clear insight in to the proposed scheme by architecture, design and construction specialists BCS, who have fully costed the development program and are ready to begin the build for an incoming purchaser. They can also of course adapt the design to one’s specific taste. BCS Builders -

Office buildings in Westminster with planning consent for conversion to residential use are becoming increasingly rare, given Westminster City Council’s proposals to amend policy in 2015 to resist the loss of office floor space to residential uses. A further benefit to having consent from commercial to residential allows for VAT to be charged at 5% for all building materials and construction costs*.


*Please note that there are CGI images included in the photo gallery

Location

Soho Square dates back to the late 17th Century when it formed the centrepiece of the Earl of St Alban’s development in Soho. Today the Square remains a focal point in the north-eastern corner of Soho and it retains many of its original historical features, including several listed buildings and two 19th century churches which impart an air of elegance to its setting.

With a colourful history as a hotspot for nightlife, theatre and entertainment, Soho has evolved into a thriving commercial hub and a fashionable, cosmopolitan and up-market residential district. The area boasts a superb range of amenities, including some of London’s trendiest bars, restaurants and Member’s clubs such as Soho House, The Groucho Club, Dean Street Town House and The Box. It is bordered by the world-class retailing streets of Oxford and Regent Street, but also offers several key retail locations of its own including Carnaby Street and the Liberty Department Store. The smaller side streets are home to a number of high-end retailers and boutiques including Sunspel, APC, Paul Smith and L’Estrange.

Soho is also an internationally renowned office location, particularly for occupiers from the creative sectors such as media, advertising and technology. Tenants include 20th Century Fox, Tiger Aspect Films, M&C Saatchi and Twitter. In recent years, this demand has expanded to financial and corporate occupiers and Soho is now a worthy competitor to nearby Mayfair and St James’s for employers seeking to attract a creative and cosmopolitan workforce.

The property occupies a prime position on the northern side of Soho Square, facing south onto the attractive gardens and the iconic Tudorbethan hut at its centre. Due to its vibrancy and its many amenities for residents and it’s superb transport connectivity, Soho is now perceived to be one of the West End’s most desirable places to live for both domestic and international buyers. With limited development opportunities, the residential market is therefore resilient. The area benefits from superb transport connectivity.

Tottenham Court Road, Oxford Circus and Piccadilly Circus stations are a short walk away, providing access to the Bakerloo, Central, Northern, Piccadilly and Victoria lines. In addition, there are numerous bus routes in the area serving Greater London. Tottenham Court Road station, which is approximately 200m from the subject property, is a major interchange for the brand new and recently opened Elizabeth Line.

The area around Tottenham Court Road is perhaps the main beneficiary of the regenerative benefits of this new infrastructure, with numerous developments and public realm improvements.

Square Footage: 6,236 sq ft