Plans for one of tallest residential towers in London redesigned

Fresh plans would see 669 homes created in two 58 and 44-storey towers
How proposed scheme might look from North Acton Playing Fields
Apt
Jacob Phillips25 April 2024

Plans for one of London’s tallest residential skyscrapers have been redesigned. 

Egyptian developer Aldau Developments has asked architects Apt to create a new plan for two towers at Portal Way in Ealing, three years after plans for the site were first given the green light.

Fresh proposals for a 58-storey tower and a shorter 44-storey block have been submitted to the Old Oak & Park Royal Development Corporation.

Plans previously approved in August 2021 included a 55-storey tower but were criticised for being an “eyesore” by residents, with one campaigner labelling it “London’s Trump Tower”.

The revised scheme would include 699 build-to-rent homes, as well as a 90 bed hotel, which was originally planned to have 159 beds.

Aldau said it had redesigned the tower to add a second staircase following the government’s proposals for all residential buildings above 18 metres to have a second means of escape last summer.

The Cairo-based developer added that it wanted to improve the sustainability of the buildings with higher performing facades and a more efficient energy strategy.

How the development on 4 Portal Way would look under the new plans
Apt

The firm said: “Since the existing planning permission was approved in August 2021 there have been significant events nationally and globally that have affected the deliverability of the scheme. 

“These include: the Covid-19 Pandemic, changes to fire regulations, raw materials shortages, inflationary pressures on build costs, supply issues and rapidly rising energy costs.”

It added: “Whilst the existing scheme could be amended or adjusted, a wholesale approach to tackle the key items such as introducing two fire stairs, dual aspect façades and a more sustainable energy strategy warranted a holistic review. 

 “As such a redesign from the ground up was undertaken in 2022-2024 in close collaboration and consultation with the [Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation] since January 2023. 

“The proposed scheme has evolved from a design lead approach with core principles retained throughout.”

 The developer wrote in plans sent to residents for consultation: “Revisiting the plans has provided the opportunity to improve public spaces and amenities, to provide a variety of benefits for the local community and new residents. In addition the scheme reflects new and emerging planning guidance such as 2 fire stairs and an all electric energy strategy.”

A date for the revised proposals to be decided has not yet been set.

The tallest residential tower in London and the UK is the 75-storey Landmark Pinnacle building in Canary Wharf, which was completed in 2022.

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