New vision: a CGI of the new entrance to Kensington Gardens, with twin gates
(Picture: Handout)A £3 billion transformation plan for Queensway that will see its parades of souvenir shops and fast food outlets swept away after decades as west London’s “ugly sister” is unveiled today.
Major landlords and developers who own more than 70 per cent of Bayswater’s high street have drawn up a vision that includes Parisian-style pavement pavilions, reduced traffic, major improvements to both its Tube stations, and a new entrance to Kensington Gardens, with twin gates.
Seven major new or refurbished buildings in Queensway, including an overhaul of department store Whiteleys, have provided the catalyst for a revamp of the street over the next four years.
Alex Michelin, co-founder of developers Finchatton, speaking on behalf of the Queensway steering committee, said he hoped it would become “a new Marylebone High Street” with independent food stores and boutiques replacing the current line-up of retailers and restaurants.
He said: “We don’t want it to be chain stores, we want the butcher, the baker, the candlestick maker. It could be a foodie paradise. Queensway is surrounded by stunning stucco houses and squares and when you walk around you think ‘why is it not better known?’”
There will be six new buildings in Queensway including Park Modern, a block of 52 apartments, three penthouses and two mews houses on the corner with Bayswater Road.
In total they will create 350 new homes, 10,000 sq ft of office space, 530m of refurbished shop fronts and 500m of new stores and restaurants. Five of the eight parades are being regenerated.
The Whiteley will have 139 apartments, 20 new shops, cafes and restaurants, a cinema, gym and London’s first Six Senses hotel and spa with 110 rooms, 14 residences and a members’ club.
Mr Michelin said that about £30 to £40 million is being invested in the public improvements. Traffic will be cut to one lane. The project is due to be completed by 2026.
