Iconic Leisure Space to be Created at London’s Historic Somerset House
May 9, 2013
Davis Coffer Lyons has been appointed as consultants and leisure agents for the New Wing at the listed Grade 1 Somerset House. The complex was originally constructed as Edward IVs residence in the 1550s and is now a cultural and historic attraction which sees 2.6 million visitors annually.
The estate is made up of Five Wings, four of which surround the Great Court, with the New Wing standing to the West of the quadrangle of Somerset House facing on to Lancaster Place.
Operators are being sought for two new units at the Strand and River facing New Wing at Londons historic Somerset House. The Wing has been vacated by HMRC who spent some 250 years in occupation at Somerset House.
The upper three floors of the wing will be let as office accommodation, at ground level bar, restaurant and recreational spaces will be added, the lower two floors will have mixed as leisure facilities, offices and workspaces for the creative industries.
A new public entrance will also be created to the north end of the building; this will provide a link from the existing Strand entrance passing through the building to the upper terrace and the fountain court beyond.
Current operators already at the site include Tom Aikens Toms Kitchen, Toms Deli and Fernandez and Wells.
There are currently 45 tenant organisations in residence on the estate and this is projected to reach up to 60 once the New Wing has been redeveloped.
The estate hosts over 200 private events hosted annually, with its summer events programme attended by over 60,000 people and its Winter Ice Rink attended by over 200,000 people.
DCL are advising on the layout, tenant mix and strategic planning of the leisure element of the wing. The primary focus being two premises which comprise of approximately 4,500 sq ft of ground floor space each with further back of house space in the basement levels. Each space incorporates a stunning period drawing room at the ends of the wings one being close to the Strand and Covent Garden and the other with views overlooking the river and the river front terrace.
Rob Meadows who is handling the matter commented that this is a truly unique opportunity to set up an original restaurant and or bar operation in a iconic building in the centre of London. It is a really exciting time for Somerset House Trust who are vibrant and engaging landlord. With this combination we expect to see some landmark operations being established.
