Under the plans, a number of buildings will be demolished and three new buildings will be constructed to provide basement event space, a gallery, shops, restaurants and a 14-bedroom hotel. A new pedestrian route will be running from Andrew Borde Street to Denmark Street.
The plans also include the change of use of buildings in the 'Tin Pan Alley' on Denmark Street, which is known for being home to a range of specialist music retailers and music industry activities, to provide offices, homes and shops.
The Council's planning officers recommended in the committee report that a clause should be included in the Section 106 agreement to ensure that ground floor, upper floor retail and commercial spaces on Denmark Street will be restricted to “Tin Pan Alley” uses only. They said that local policy states that the character of Denmark Street would be harmed by "any reduction in the stock of premises suitable for music industry purposes".
"The Council will not grant planning permission for development involving the loss of A1 retail uses, either at ground floor or other levels, or of B1 office and light industrial uses in upper floors in the designated Frontages," the officers said. "Music industry activities make a fundamental contribution to the special character of Denmark Street and support associated retail provision," they added.
