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.
What is the development all about?
The Qatar Royal Families construction wing, Qatari Diar, in partnership with Candy & Candy, have purchased the site of the former Chelsea Barracks for just under £1 billion.
They plan to build a high density tower block estate of 640 ‘apartments’, with 50% of the estate being luxury flats costing up to £10 million each. Designed by Roger Stirk Harbour & Partners, they will stand at 36 metres high (over 118 feet).
The other 50% of the estate will be ‘affordable’ and social housing, with the taller tower of this part of the estate planned to be a gigantic 10 stories.
What is happening?
The Westminster City Council (WCC) put together a robust planning brief, and we felt confident that we would have a sympathetic development that would blend in with the mid-Victorian and Georgian conservations areas abutting the site.
However, we were then presented with a public exhibition showing 14 towers of 13 story high steel and glass blocks for the uber rich flats marketing at around £10 million each, and very obviously 1960's style council state design alongside, for the social and affordable housing. The plans submitted, were NOT those viewed by the general public.
Qatari Diar has opened dialogue with local residents to discuss the changes they had made.
As the pictures above show, they have only implemented the bare minimum requested by WCC. The proposed ‘park’, at 1.3 acres, is really a large garden landscaped full of statues and is entirely dependent on demolishing the Garrison Church.
The residents want this church to act as a focal point for the new and existing community. Suggestions for use so far, include: concerts, scouts or guides, evening classes, music art and dance charities, lectures etc. Please email us at helpus@chelseabarracks.org.uk or comment on our Guest register, with any suggestions you may have for future use of the historic church.
A public exhibition is planned for 10th and 13th December at the Royal Hospital Chelsea State Apartments between 09:30 and 12:30.
The Westminster City Council Planning and Development Committee
It would appear that the WCC Planning and Development Committee were surprised at the local outrage about the tower block development.
A letter was sent to every Councillor in Westminster, making it clear that the residents did not want this Manhattan style development. The committee then made recommendations to their meeting minutes (See Important Documents)
