Hammersmith-based property developers Lamington Group and HUT Architecture are pleased to announce they have secured planning permission and listed building consent to redevelop and refurbish the Grade II listed building at 41 Iffley Road, Hammersmith into nearly 7,000 sq ft of Grade A office accommodation.
The former mission hall, which dates from 1883-4, was used as a set painter’s studio from 1966 to 2014, and is now being reimagined as a flexible workplace for the creative industries.
Lamington Group is working with HUT Architecture, an award-winning architectural practice based in East London responsible for major projects across the city spanning residential and commercial properties.
Works will open up the hall, extend the basement and insert a new mezzanine level to create an open plan floor space and bring a new viewpoint to the unique vaulted roof. In addition, complete restoration works of the listed building will be carried out, including stonework, metal work glazing and paintwork. The property will be marketed for pre-letting this autumn, and completion is expected mid-2020.
The renovation will offer a boost to the Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham (LBHF) with increased employment opportunities and longer-term benefits to the area. The development has the potential for over £2.1m of economic multiplier benefit once open.
Robert Godwin, CEO of Lamington Group, commented, “We have run our business in Hammersmith for over 30 years, and as a local business we’re very much looking forward to bringing this much-loved building back to life and giving it a new purpose with a full historical restoration. HUT Architecture is a specialist in the design of places to work and will be the perfect partner to help restore as much of the original building fabric as is practical in order to celebrate its historic and aesthetic value.”
Lamington Group is also seeing success and expansion in other areas of its business. Its unique hometel concept, room2, launched with room2 Hammersmith in 2016, followed recently by the opening of room2 Southampton in June 2018, and now a third hotel has just been confirmed for Manchester. The move confirms the hometel offering and its potential for growth outside the south east.
room2 offers a unique home plus hotel experience, creating a flexible, considered design and a welcoming environment which makes guests feel comfortable and at home.
“We’ve seen a proliferation of design-led hotels in the south east but we believe there are additional opportunities elsewhere,” Godwin explained. “Following the successful launch of room2 Southampton, we wanted to expand our regional approach.
“A lack of investment in new offerings outside London means the regions are increasingly receptive to new ideas. Consumers are demanding more, and we’re seeing a move away from corporate vanilla brands to ones with character and personality. Good quality, good design, good value and good service will always be in demand; it just requires someone to take the leap of faith into smaller cities.”