Volterra recently supported Great Western Developments Ltd.’s application to redevelop the former Royal Mail Sorting Office and Post Office next to Paddington Station. The proposed development, Paddington Quarter, includes office, retail and café/restaurant uses across two buildings – an eighteen storey building, Paddington Cube, and a smaller two story satellite building. The scheme also encompasses 1.35 acres of public realm improvements, which will significantly improve access to the station, as well as delivering a new Bakerloo line ticket hall.
In our economic report, submitted to Westminster City Council alongside a planning application on Monday, Volterra estimated that the scheme will support 3,475 jobs directly on site, making an annual contribution of £350m to London’s economic output.
Volterra consultant Alex O’Byrne says “Paddington Quarter will make a much needed contribution of office space to Westminster, delivering 6% of Westminster’s 20 year office floorspace target. Proposals near key transport nodes, coupled with significant public realm improvements, such as Paddington Quarter, should be encouraged to ensure Westminster’s future growth is not constrained.” Volterra partner Ellie Evans adds “This is exactly why Crossrail is being built – developments like Paddington Quarter will enable London to realise the benefits of this vital transport investment, and to maximise those benefits through complementary public realm improvements.”
