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Permission Granted for Kingsway House 

Studio Moren is delighted to announce that planning permission has been approved unanimously by the London Borough of Camden for the Studio Moren-designed scheme to convert Kingsway House from office to aparthotel use for our client, GMS Estates.

Situated prominently on Kingsway, the seven-storey building dates back to circa 1905 and forms part of the grand masterplan for the area, a landmark north-south boulevard designed to bring order to the once-chaotic urban landscape. Attributed to A. Sykes, the building contributes positively to the Kingsway Conservation Area despite not being listed. Internally, however, its character has been diminished over time due to significant alterations.

The approved plans include the removal of a historically damaging seventh-floor rooftop extension, replacing it with a thoughtfully designed two storey vertical extension that increases the building's height to eight storeys. The reimagined structure will accommodate 58 aparthotel suites under the Beyond Aparthotels brand, an operator with a mission to champion a sustainable hospitality experience. The building will house ground-floor commercial spaces, a café-lounge open to both guests and the public, and a basement gym. The scheme maximises its prime location with excellent public transport connections and proximity to key business, retail, and tourist hubs.

“We are looking forward to working with the fantastic project team to re-purpose Kingsway House into a modern, future-proof aparthotel that will bring new life to the streetscape and provide generous, low-toxicity and low-impact spaces for guests to stay, in the heart of central London.”

James Fry CEO Beyond Aparthotels

Designed with a hospitality-first approach, the ground floor will foster a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, offering flexible spaces for guests and visitors to work, socialise, and unwind. The development will also generate employment opportunities, providing a positive economic boost to the local community.

Sustainability is at the heart of the design. Working alongside Hilson Moran (MEP) and Elliott Wood (SE), the project prioritises the retention of primary structural elements to conserve embodied carbon whilst introducing sustainable method for energy efficiency. The historic façades will also be carefully restored, respecting their architectural significance while aligning with modern environmental standards.

“This approval marks a significant milestone in the recognition of the necessity for the adaptive reuse of historic office buildings that are no longer fit for purpose in this part of Camden, breathing new life into these unused spaces and offering them a viable and sustainable future.”

Paul Wells Partner Studio Moren

The scheme is set to move into the development stage, with completion anticipated in 2026.