About

The Chelsea Barracks Action Group

The Chelsea Barracks Action Group was formed in February 2007 by the local residents, with an objective to work with the new owners of the Chelsea Barracks site, to ensure the new development would enhance our area and quality of life rather than detract from it.

It was our group that commissioned Quinlan Terry (the architect of the new infirmary at the Royal Hospital Chelsea) to design an alternative plan to the hideous Rogers scheme. As a result of this His Royal Highness Prince Charles became involved. He was the only person to support Londoners who did not want the ugly steel and glass tower blocks which were so inappropriate in this iconic part of our capital city.

We welcome the new design as being a much more London-style development but we are dismayed about the heights in particular the large towers in the centre of the site. At 99.8 feet (30.4m) the buildings will mushroom over the Belgravia Conservation Area and in particular overshadow the attractive 1859 Victorian Garrison church. We really hope that the church will be retained for use as a Centre of the Arts where local children can learn music, drama, dance and art. It could also be used for a community centre for lectures, art shows and space to hire for all sorts of events.

What is the development all about?

The Chelsea Barracks were the last barracks in central London to be able to hold a whole battalion and which had the space to land helicopters. It was an integral part of the defence of our city and was sold off by John Reid during the dismal days of the Labour Government.

It was purchased by the Royal family of Qatar under their development wing Qatari Diar for just under 1 billion pounds (Allegedly 3 days oil revenue!) At the time they were in business with Candy and Candy. However, since the withdrawal of the steel and glass design by Lord Rogers it is understood that the Candy brothers are not participating in the development of this site any longer.

Qatari Diar appointed a panel to choose an architect who would produce a masterplan for the 13 acre site. What this means is that the plan will show the footprint of the buildings and the heights. IT WILL NOT SHOW ANY ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN.

The architects chosen were:
Michael Squire and Partners - http://www.squireandpartners.com
Dixon Jones - http://www.dixonjones.co.uk
Kim Wilkie - http://www.kimwilkie.com

After a year of earnest consultation the masterplan was unveiled to show the plan you now see on this site.
Click here to view the plan
Click here to view image gallery