Edgware Road armed forces building with bomb-proof bunker to be demolished for 22-storey hotel

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Developers have submitted plans to demolish a locally listed armed forces building, complete with a World War II bomb-proof bunker, in order to build a new 22-storey hotel.

Located on Edgware Road, the futuristic-looking scheme would also deliver a gym, spa, swimming pool, and rooftop restaurant.

The applicant, AMAFHH Investments Ltd, wants to demolish the existing building in Cricklewood, which they claim is ‘so close to the end of its life’ and has experienced ‘long established flood damage in the basements’. Constructed between 1937 and 1939, the building was designed for use by the armed forces, with bomb-proof basements, but was never used for its intended purpose.

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Developers are looking to build a new 22-storey hotel on Edgware Road with a decision expected imminentlyDevelopers are looking to build a new 22-storey hotel on Edgware Road with a decision expected imminently
Developers are looking to build a new 22-storey hotel on Edgware Road with a decision expected imminently | AMAFHH Investments/LDRS

The building has since remained as a ‘stand-by structure’ and been used for a variety of different purposes, including for retail and offices. It lies within the ‘Staples Growth Area’ – identified for regeneration by Brent Council – close to the newly-opened Brent Cross West Station.

The developers claim the 210-room hotel would ‘contribute to local job creation’ and ‘meet local employment needs’. Alongside the other facilities, it will also have a roof-top restaurant, commercial space, a community hall, and a basement car park with 36 spaces.

The application has more than 100 comments lodged against it on Brent Council’s planning portal, garnering a mixed response from residents. Some describe it as ‘exactly what the community needs’, whilst others feel a hotel in the area is not needed and the building should be restored and used for housing.

The 1930's armed forces building as a World War II bomb-proof bunkerThe 1930's armed forces building as a World War II bomb-proof bunker
The 1930's armed forces building as a World War II bomb-proof bunker | AMAFHH Investments/LDRS

One comment in favour of the application wrote: “This project is exactly what the community of this area needs, a nearby gym, spa and hotel and rooftop restaurant. [A] very valuable addition and uplifting to see […] and also much needed as opposed to the other buildings in the area.”

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Another added: “The inclusion of a hotel, gym, spa, and public facilities like the community hall and conference centre will attract visitors and create jobs, boosting local business. […] The new development will also bring vital job opportunities and more crucially will replace a dangerous and run-down building with a modern, landmark structure.”

However, others suggest the developers’ claim that the building is ‘near the end of its life’ are ‘not true’. One wrote: “This building is less than 100 years old and it is not derelict. It is obviously in good enough condition to be restored and put back into use.”

Another added: “If the building needs redevelopment then surely an option that fits in with its historic appearance and footprint can be found. We have way too many big glass boxes being built in the area as it is. There is nothing distinctive or unique about this proposal – it will age badly and be a mistake.

The developers claim the 210-room hotel would ‘contribute to local job creation’The developers claim the 210-room hotel would ‘contribute to local job creation’
The developers claim the 210-room hotel would ‘contribute to local job creation’ | AMAFHH Investments/LDRS

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“The area is in need of more substantial housing, not a hotel which will not be used by the local population. This building has strong historical value and should be saved and put to use, not demolished.”

There is already interest from two hotel operators, Hilton Hotels and Ability Group, who have assessed the suitability of the site and concluded that it ‘would meet their criteria for operating requirements’, according to the developer.

The application also outlines a financial contribution that AMAFHH Investments has agreed to. As part of the scheme, they will provide £50,000 towards a review and implementation of any required Controlled Parking Zones (CPZ), £250,000 towards pedestrian and cycle improvements – including a new cycle lane along Oxgate Lane, and £162,500 requested by Transport for London (TfL) for local bus network improvements.

The plans have been recommended for approval by Brent Council officers. The application will be reviewed by the planning committee at next week’s meeting (December 11) when a decision will be made on whether the project will go ahead.

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