In the heart of London, a stone’s throw from the iconic Hyde Park, lies a historic gem, The Whiteley.
This former home of London’s inaugural department store is currently undergoing a monumental £1 billion transformation, breathing new life into not just the Grade II listed building but also revitalizing Queensway Parade. This ambitious project is set to elevate its status among a discerning global audience.
Rediscovering Queensway Parade
Queensway Parade, once a vibrant hub, is poised to reclaim its status as the capital’s most sought-after residential and hospitality destination. The entire city block on Queensway is undergoing an impressive redevelopment, featuring 139 unique homes, including 14 exquisite Six Senses serviced apartments, and a 109-room Six Senses Hotel, marking its debut in the UK. Complementing these, a carefully curated array of services and amenities will be offered.
The driving force behind this transformation is development manager Finchatton, in collaboration with investment partners MARK and CC Land. The first wave of apartments in this historic landmark is scheduled for completion by the end of 2023.
A Fusion of Architectural Brilliance
This restoration project unites some of the industry’s most talented architects and developers. Foster + Partners, a British institution renowned for its unwavering commitment to excellence, has masterminded the building’s design, seamlessly blending unique architecture with its century-old Grade II listed facade.
The Whiteley is proving to be London’s top-performing asset, with off-plan sales breaking records, totalling a staggering £500 million. These sales account for approximately 60% of the residences, fetching an average price of £3,600 per sq. ft., reflecting a remarkable 118% premium compared to the surrounding Bayswater area.
Co-founder of Finchatton, Alex Michelin, has expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are witnessing more than double the weekly viewings at The Whiteley compared to any other new build scheme in London. This underscores not only the exceptional quality of the product we are creating but also our unwavering commitment to delivering world-class service to our residents. Our residents are embracing a bespoke Six Senses lifestyle.”
A Wellness and Sustainability Haven
The project has garnered substantial interest from across the globe, with particularly strong demand originating from Asia, the US, and Europe. Over the past five years, British buyers have accounted for over 50% of our purchasers, and their interest remains robust. The proximity to an unrivalled selection of schools and parks near The Whiteley has attracted keen interest from British families looking for their dream homes.
Six Senses London, a brand celebrated for its dedication to wellness and sustainability, will offer residents access to over 60,000 sq. ft. of amenities. These include a 20-meter pool, a state-of-the-art wellness studio, a spa, a gym, a private members’ club named Six Senses Place, a children’s playroom, a sports hall, and a music room. In addition, The Whiteley will introduce 19 new commercial tenants, featuring restaurants led by world-class culinary talent, a cinema, and a range of fully accessible public spaces, establishing itself as a new global hub.
The Whiteley stands as the cornerstone of the ambitious £3 billion Queensway regeneration project. Future plans encompass a dynamic retail strategy, significant enhancements to public spaces, Tube station upgrades, and a greening initiative, including a new entrance to the iconic Hyde Park.
With its rich history, architectural grandeur, and commitment to a world-class living experience, The Whiteley is set to redefine luxury living in London, captivating a global audience with its blend of heritage and modernity.