The Soho redevelopment spans approximately 0.4 hectares, transforming the old Foyles bookshop site and listed buildings on Greek Street. It introduces James Court, a new pedestrian link between Manette Street and Greek Street. The project features the “hanging gardens of Soho,” offering 1,300 sq m of garden terraces. It includes eight new affordable social rented apartments and around 0.1 hectares of new public realm around James Court.

Who is on the project? 

Architect - MATT Architecture

Landscape Architect - Townshend Landscape Architects

Planning Consultant - Gerald Eve

Townscape Consultancy – The Townscape Consultancy

Development Manager - DML

Cost Consultant - DML

Structural Engineer - Tier Consult

MEP Engineer - Thornton Reynolds

Façade Consultant – Thornton Tomasetti

Describe the social and environmental context of this project, its neighbourhood and people. What is the purpose of the building? How does this building make an impact in its community?

Ilona Rose House is the name for a comprehensive redevelopment project comprising approximately 1 acre of Soho, one of London’s most diverse, creative and dynamic neighbourhoods. It includes redevelopment of the old Foyles bookshop site, extending from the Tottenham Court Road Opportunity Area on Charing Cross Road, bordering Camden, to listed buildings on Greek Street, in the heart of Westminster’s Soho Conservation Area. The project includes the creation of James Court, a new pedestrian place linking Manette Street with Greek Street, which is also home to 3 restaurants, 2 cocktail bars, a nightclub, new art studios and a gallery, along with 8 new affordable social rented apartments and the largest final edit sound theatre outside of California (for Warner Bros’). The design developed in parallel with the arrival of the Stirling Prize winning Elizabeth Line nearby at Tottenham Court Road and responds to the enormous uplift of passenger movements there each day, to provide much needed and improved public realm – which comprises approximately 22% of the site, and with further changes to the adopted highway included amounts to about a third of an acre. The building’s purpose is to become an embedded, valued, resilient and adaptable, part of Soho for long term, a properly mixed-use piece of the city respectful of the site’s physical and cultural heritage while looking forward to supporting the physical and cultural environment of the now and future.

Is the project innovative or creative in its design or purpose? What does it do well in terms of serving its people? 

The project exemplifies innovation and creativity through its architectural elements, such as the highly decorative facades, including rose-shaped ceramic tiles (derived from Manette’s historic name ‘Rose Street), curved brass panels (…a bit of brass, and the musical instruments of Denmark Street), and bespoke blue tiles (reflecting the site’s history as Wedgwood’s London showroom). The doubly curved bronze and aluminium cladding panels were stamped using the same machine that makes Audi body panels. The building also includes the “hanging gardens of Soho” on the upper floors, providing 14,000 sq. ft. of external garden terraces for occupants. The project has created nearly a third of an acre of new public realm around James Court, which has become a dynamic area for alfresco dining and social engagement. This space links Greek Street and Manette Street, encouraging foot traffic and enhancing the community feel of Soho. Ilona Rose House excels offers versatile spaces, from new art studios and affordable housing, to a bespoke cycle ramp down to showers and a yoga studio in Basement 2 that cater to both the creative and business sectors. The basement also houses Warner Bros’ post-production headquarters, ensuring the continued presence of the film industry in Soho. In addition to new build, the project includes the Grade II-listed 14 Greek Street and the façade retention and extension of 12-13 Greek Street. The building is not just a commercial hub but also a community-oriented space that respects Soho’s cultural and historical significance.

Please describe the programme of the building, and how its design serves this use. Please also explain whether the future viability of this use has been considered. How might the building be repurposed to other uses?

8 Bishopsgate was designed with adaptability and community use at its core. The building serves as a modern office space but with a stunning open reception space and all-access amenities (including a 200-seater auditorium available for public hire), the building invites strong community cohesion. Our public viewing gallery has generated nearly 240,000 visits to the building with The Lookout receiving a Google star rating of 4.7/5. Our community programme includes a varied cultural and wellness calendar for its occupiers, ranging from yoga sessions to workshops on mental health, reflecting a strong commitment to wellbeing. Community events like the Ramadan "Breaking the Fast" event, LGBTQ+ allyship workshops, and Movember initiatives highlight the inclusive and dynamic nature of our community. Our social value impact has been measured consistently and robustly – both quantitatively and qualitatively via the Social Value Portal measurement tool, evaluating the real impact of our engagement programmes, allowing for continuous improvement and better communication with stakeholders. Future-proofing is a core design principle, ensuring flexibility for different uses. The adaptable HVAC systems, smart building technology and sustainable design allow for repurposing into other commercial, community, or even residential spaces if required. With extensive amenities, sustainability measures, and a focus on occupant wellbeing, 8 Bishopsgate is set to remain viable for evolving future needs.