Marks & Spencer has submitted a planning application to Westminster City Council, setting out a comprehensive redevelopment plan for its current headquarters (HQ) at Michael House on Baker Street.

The redevelopment proposals, developed over the last 18 months, follow Marks & Spencer's decision to relocate to a network of head offices, including Waterside House, Paddington in 2004.

The proposed 69,704 sq m ( 750,293 sq ft) scheme for Baker Street - designed by - internationally renowned architects Kohn Pedersen Fox - will deliver an enhanced use of space across an exciting mix of uses, sympathetic to the character of Baker Street and will deliver wider commercial benefits to the West End.

Marks & Spencer will be holding a public exhibition on the proposals from Friday 26 September 2003 until Friday 17 October 2003 at 33, Baker Street.

The redevelopment of Michael House would include:

• 60,264 sq m (648,681 sq ft) of stunning, modern new office space over eight floors
• The creation of 32 new homes on Rodmarton Street to the rear of the proposed office development (a percentage of which will be affordable housing), thereby establishing a new, attractive residential street
• The introduction of a range of new shops and leisure facilities fronting Baker Street, including cafés and the potential for a Marks & Spencer 'Simply Food' store
• A state-of-the-art health club with swimming pool

Marks & Spencer's move to Paddington Basin is central to its long-term plan to drive improved ways of working, which will enable the business to grow its customers and be simply more efficient. It will be part of a network of head offices, where each building and location is chosen specifically to suit the needs of each business area.

Marks & Spencer will retain 27 Baker Street in the short to medium term as part of its head office network, with over 700 staff based there.

Chris Williams, Marks & Spencer Director of Property, said, "These redevelopment proposals aim to create a new and exciting mixed use development to further enrich Baker Street, as well as creating the opportunity to release a significant financial asset for the business.

"We are seeking to leave behind a thoughtful and forward looking development that Marks & Spencer, Westminster City Council and the community can be proud of, and that is a fitting legacy to our time in the area."

Marks & Spencer's future role in the realisation of this development project will be determined once planning consent has been secured.

The planning application will now be considered by Westminster City Council's Planning & Development Committee.

-Ends-

For further information please contact:
Bella Pagdin Corporate Press Office 020 7268 1919

Back to press releases index

Back to top