Bromley Council has approved two proposed developments on landmark sites which will improve and increase office accommodation in the heart of Bromley town centre.

Councillors approved the application for permission, including listed building consent for minor demolitions, conversion, restoration and extension of the Old Town Hall. The proposal will provide office space, 24 hotel bedrooms and a food and drinking establishment within the Old Courthouse. A five storey residential scheme consisting of 53 apartments with basement parking for 26 cars on the former South Street car park is also included in the scheme, along with the provision of 160 cycle spaces across both sites.

The redevelopment of the Wells House building in Elmfield Road was also approved, with new office accommodation being proposed. This will provide a part 7/part 8 storey building which would replace the existing dated 1970s office building with a high quality, contemporary office building.

Councillor Alexa Michael, Chairman of Development Control Committee, said: “We were encouraged by the proposals for the Old Town Hall, which dealt sensitively with both the listed building requirements and the Conservation Area it is within. While the proposals for Wells House are quite different and indeed from a separate applicant, we also welcomed the proposal for this high quality, attractively designed Grade-A office accommodation which will come forward. Clearly these successful applications were submitted some time ago, prior to the current uncertainties, but we remain hopeful that these long term visionary schemes will come to fruition.”

Councillor Peter Morgan, Executive Councillor for Renewal, Recreation and Housing, said, “We maintain our strongly-held views that Bromley is a compelling location for businesses to operate in and to which to relocate. These latest decisions show that we are very much open for business. Grade A office accommodation such as is proposed at Wells House is essential for top quality businesses today. Both of these developments will add to the competitiveness of the town and provide employment opportunities as they come to fruition, and will also add some much needed residential accommodation.”

ENDS

For media enquiries, please contact Andrew Rogers, Communications Executive on 020 8461 7670 or email andrew.rogers@bromley.gov.uk

Published: 22nd May 2020