Cadogan announces £40 million investment into Sloane Street Public Realm
Cadogan, in partnership with the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, today announces the go-ahead for a £40 million public realm investment to Sloane Street – set to transform the iconic Street and secure its future as a vibrant residential area and one of the world’s most beautiful luxury shopping destinations.
The project has been approved following extensive public consultation and work on the kilometre long street will begin in Autumn 2019, for expected completion within three years. It will include extensive new planting to create an elegant green boulevard and better absorb airborne pollutants, with planting overseen by multiple Chelsea Flower Show award winner, Andy Sturgeon. London Architects John McAslan + Partners, whose recent work includes the transformation of King’s Cross Station, have been appointed on the public realm masterplan.
The programme also includes resurfacing and widening pavements to ensure a more pleasurable experience for pedestrians, improved lighting to complement the distinctive architecture and the introduction of new street furniture. Quality materials, such as traditional Yorkstone and silver-grey granite, will form a consistent palette and further enrich the unique character of the Street. Traffic calming measures and increased crossing points will be introduced to reduce high speeds, and in-depth traffic modelling has ensured that vehicular flow is not impacted by the scheme.
Hugh Seaborn, CEO of Cadogan, comments: “These proposals will strengthen Sloane Street’s position as a global destination for luxury retail and create an even more desirable environment for local residents and businesses. We have seen major recent investment from many of the luxury houses on the Street – the new Balenciaga store opened earlier this year, alongside multi-million pound refits from Hermes, Louis Vuitton, Versace, Gucci, Fendi and Chanel – and our plans will create a seamless and inspiring environment whether in-store or travelling along the Street.
This complements our existing focus on improved leisure and food and drink, including the recent restoration of the historic Belmond Cadogan Hotel. The scheme has also allowed us to elegantly ‘design in’ improved security measures and enhance the digital infrastructure to provide unparalleled connectivity.”
Cllr Elizabeth Campbell, Leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council, comments: “This project will breathe life into our high street and give residents and visitors a whole new experience. We are fully behind projects that deliver on our aims to tackle climate change and improve the local environment.”
These will be the most significant streetscape improvements for Sloane Street since it was originally commissioned by the 1st Earl Cadogan in the 18th Century, which saw Henry Holland’s master plan connect the King’s Road to Knightsbridge and the creation of ‘London Botanic Gardens’ at the Street’s heart. Since then, it has established international cachet as the one of the world’s leading shopping destinations.
Andy Sturgeon, garden designer, comments, “The planting draws the historic gardens out along the Street to create a more uplifting atmosphere and visually rich environment. It will reflect and enhance the sumptuous, multi-layered experience found in the beautiful stores – taking ‘retail therapy’ to another level! The planting incorporates new and innovative species to London, in the spirit of Sir Hans Sloane, the renowned physician, collector and botanist from whom the Street takes its name.”
John McAslan, Chairman of John McAslan + Partners, comments, “We are delighted to be collaborating with Cadogan and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea on this exciting and innovative streetscape project. The scheme by John McAslan + Partners enhances the character and quality of this iconic thoroughfare. By introducing visual clarity, emphasising the priority of pedestrians and specifying high quality horticulture, new street furniture and additional trees, the project will offer residents, visitors and businesses a transformed and environmentally enhanced urban experience”
This development follows the recent transformation of Pavilion Road, a mews running parallel to Sloane Street, as home to small, independent artisan shops – including a butcher, baker, grocer, cheesemonger and wine merchant. An ice-cream shop, ‘General Store’, barber and fishmonger have now completed the line-up. Pavilion Road further demonstrates Cadogan’s long-term commitment to building a thriving community.
The proposals can be viewed online at sloanestreetfuture.co.uk