Planning approved for The William, one of London’s largest timber developments
The concept for a brand-new mixed-use construction at the northern end of London's main street has been unveiled by Foster + Partners. The building is situated on Queensway, directly across from the Whitley, a renowned department store that is also undergoing renovations as part of a broader development plan by Foster + Partners.
The building, which goes by the name The William after William Whiteley, the founder of the renowned Whiteleys, has six levels of office space, retail space, and 32 new houses, 11 of which will be affordable.
[edit] The William a mixed-use development
The William would feature a high-performance façade, a hybrid timber structure, natural ventilation, great daylight, flexible floorplates, and green terraces.
The William is built to be certified as BREEAM Outstanding. Natural and ethically sourced materials were employed for this. When compared to a conventional steel and concrete structure, the cross laminated timber utilised for the building's structure is a low-impact material with a significantly reduced embodied carbon footprint. The structure is also anticipated to be completely carbon-neutral in operation when finished.
The William's design is influenced by its surroundings and adheres to Queensway's current regreening scheme, which will see extensive vegetation placed along London's high street. The William was built using cross-laminated timber, a sustainable building technology. This is the first timber office structure designed by Foster + Partners in the UK. The undertaking is a component of Queensway's extensive makeover, which intends to enhance and expand the high street's offerings as a destination for dining, shopping, employment, and transit. The planning clearance was obtained by Finchatton, General Projects, and MARK, a pan-European real estate investment group.
The William, which offers 32 new homes, 11 of which will be affordable, together with six levels of office space, retail space, and stores, is an essential part of the redevelopment of Bayswater. William Whiteley, the founder of the neighbouring Whiteley department store, which is also being refurbished by Foster + Partners and is located on the other side of the street, is the inspiration for the neighborhood's name. The Whiteley will house London's top Six Senses Hotel and Spa in addition to 139 more exquisitely furnished luxury flats and 19 brand-new shopping centres.
The building is taking the place of an outdated post-war edifice. The new construction includes a number of interconnected, naturally lit areas and services that are designed to offer future users a pleasant working environment. Natural materials and a biophilic design are used in the project's double-height lobby to adhere to its ecological ethos. The development's amenities are completed with bio-diverse terraces and rooftop gardens, which also provide views of London and Hyde Park.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- An introduction to BREEAM
- Biophilic design and sustainability.
- Biophilic design - health and wellbeing in buildings.
- Biophilic gym.
- Biophilic urbanism.
- Biophilic design.
- Mixed use development.
- Norman Foster.
- Natural materials
- What are mixed use developments?
[edit] Extermal links
Wellness and Wellbeing at The Westin London City – A Nulty Project
Featured articles and news
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.
BSRIA Sentinel Clerk of Works Training Case Study
Strengthening expertise to enhance service delivery with integrated cutting-edge industry knowledge.
Impact report from the Supply Chain Sustainability School
Free sustainability skills, training and support delivered to thousands of UK companies to help cut carbon.
The Building Safety Forum at the Installershow 2025
With speakers confirmed for 24 June as part of Building Safety Week.
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.