Dull, dull, dull. That’s Cavendish Square. But life may one day brighten for the dentists and lawyers surrounding the hedged-in lawns barely disguising a car park.
John Orchard of owner Marchday says long-laid plans to transform the 300-year-old square were discussed this week with Westminster Council. “We had a good meeting. I hope something will happen now,” he adds.
One issue is who pays the £5-£10 million cost of opening up the square, which the council has tried to liven up this summer with a dissolving soap sculpture of the Duke of Cumberland by Korean artist Meekyoung Shin. Well, Jones Lang LaSalle is selling Harcourt House, a six-storey block that dominates the west side of the square.
The 105-year-old mansion block could be converted into flats, says JLL’s Will Grant. That will need permission from Westminster. The council is entitled to ask for money to improve local amenities. The new owner of Harcourt House will be able to sell the flats for a higher price if the square is improved. This was not discussed at this week’s meeting. Could someone join the dots?
