The Broadway, a new, mixed-use project in west London by architecture practice Squire & Partners, has transformed a corner of Westminster. The large-scale scheme reimagined the 1960s Metropolitan Police Headquarters that previously occupied the site, opening up the block to passers-by by carving out a complex of six volumes linked by podiums and a new public space – Orchard Place. The development, for real estate expert Northacre, replaces parts of the urban fabric that were not fit for retrofitting, while framing views of the nearby Grade I-listed 55 Broadway.
The Broadway by Squire & Partners
Indeed, the presence of 55 Broadway, designed in 1929 by Charles Holden, provided some of the inspiration for the new design's geometric looks. The older building's art deco style was mixed with contemporary references and Squire & Partners' own take on minimalist architecture, to create 'a family of three design languages used to pair buildings on the west and east of the site to create a connection between the podiums', explain the team.
'The Broadway is a vibrant residential-led mixed-use scheme, which contributes to the delivery of Westminster City Council’s vision for the regeneration of Victoria. On the ground floor, retail units and entrances to the office accommodation are accessible via Orchard Place – a new pedestrian street connecting St James’ Park Station to Victoria Street. Above the podium, six residential towers are clad in a dynamic geometric pattern of pre-cast concrete, inspired by the nearby art deco Grade I-listed station,' says Michael Squire, senior partner at the firm.
The complex contains some 268 apartments, three floors of offices, and a ground floor that blends retail and restaurant uses, next to the landscaped areas of Orchard Place. The residential element features apartment interiors by Squire & Partners, including bespoke designs in the kitchens and bathrooms. Meanwhile, amenities for residents range from a spa with swimming pool, sauna and steam rooms, to treatment rooms, a gym, changing facilities, a games room, cycle storage and parking. Interiors firm Nainoa is behind The Broadway's communal and wellness areas.
'In 2014, we acquired the former Metropolitan Police Headquarters site, one of the biggest land deals in the capital. We moved on to achieve Section 106 planning permission in fewer than six months, which is a testament to the Northacre team for driving such a successful and well-received proposal. Completing the project on time is a momentous milestone and rounds off an exemplary construction programme,' says Northacre's director Fawad Tariq Khan.
'I am excited about the future of this location as we now work to deliver Orchard Place, the future wellness capital of London. With this destination, we seek to bring together the community alongside myriad uses to ensure a vibrant and exciting location with people at its heart. In the coming months, we look forward to revealing our anchor tenants that will play a big role in creating a destination London has not seen before.'
-
An architect’s own home offers a refined and leafy retreat from its East London surroundingsStudioshaw has completed a courtyard house in amongst a cluster of traditional terraced houses, harnessing the sun and plenty of greenery to bolster privacy and warmth
-
Finlandia Hall bistro blends culinary indulgence with reborn modernismFinlandia Hall bistro opens in Helsinki, adding a foodie dimension to the Finnish modernist architecture marvel by Alvar Aalto
-
Reimagining remembrance: Urn Studios introduces artistic urns to the UKBridging the gap between art and memory, Urn Studios offers contemporary, handcrafted funeral urns designed to be proudly displayed
-
An architect’s own home offers a refined and leafy retreat from its East London surroundingsStudioshaw has completed a courtyard house in amongst a cluster of traditional terraced houses, harnessing the sun and plenty of greenery to bolster privacy and warmth
-
The museum of the future: how architects are redefining cultural landmarksWhat does the museum of the future look like? As art evolves, so do the spaces that house it – pushing architects to rethink form and function
-
'Bold and unapologetic', this contemporary Wimbledon home replaces a 1970s house on siteThis grey-brick Wimbledon home by McLaren Excell is a pairing of brick and concrete, designed to be mysterious
-
The little-known story of Welsh modernism'Cabin Crew', a new book published this spring by The Modernist, brings the spotlight to Cardiff-based practice Hird & Brooks
-
This modern Cotswolds home draws on its ancient woodland contextThis contemporary Cotswolds home, designed by NCA Architecture with interiors by Echlin, is a slice of the Mediterranean in the English countryside
-
A Danish twist, compact architecture, and engineering magic: the Don’t Move, Improve 2025 winners are hereDon’t Move, Improve 2025 announces its winners, revealing the residential projects that are rethinking London living
-
This Hampstead house renovation in London transcends styles and periodsThe renovation of a Hampstead house in London by Belgian architect Hans Verstuyft bridges the classic and the contemporary
-
London’s Sloane Street has been transformed into a ‘green boulevard’Iconic shopping destination Sloane Street has had a facelift, now boasting wider pavements, enhanced seating and lighting, and a massive planting scheme
