Full planning permission has been granted to development firm Almacanter for the construction of a new £400m Marble Arch scheme in the centre of London.


Work is due to begin in Autumn involving the demolition of the existing 24-storey Marble Arch Tower and whilst no contractor has been formally appointed for the job it seems likely Brookfield Multiplex is likely to get the £180m building project.


The plan will see the construction of two distinct buildings one 18 storeys and the second 7 storeys in what will be 400,000 sq ft mixed use scheme.


Although planning permission has previously been granted for the development of this site, Almacanter has submitted new plans which significantly alter the previously agreed planning application. This includes: more office space and the addition of an additional floor to the top of the tower.


Furthermore there will be a new multi-screen Odeon cinema and will deliver 180,00 sq ft of new retail space (a key consideration for the development) at this prime area at the end of London’s Oxford Road.


A different site is being utilised at 466-490 to deliver the requisite affordable housing scheme, with the site featuring a mix of 76 homes of which 47 will be affordable rented and retail homes and the reinstatement of the disused petrol filling station – marking the first new petrol station in London for over 10 years.


Kathrin Hersel, Development Director of Almacantar, said: “I am delighted that the revised plans for the Marble Arch Place scheme have been approved. The plans will address The Portman Estate’s requirements. Also, the scheme will deliver much needed additional office floor space and will unlock a very important affordable housing project for the City of Westminster. This gateway location overlooking the finest of the Royal Parks deserves a world class development.”