Thursday, November 21, 2013

Life in Fitzrovia

By Dean Harold


When the purchasers of the site of the old hospital site in Middlesex renamed it "Noho Square". Fitrovians were angry, as Noho is North of Soho. Developers set to make glitzy apartments in Fitzrovia. So the locals were ecstatic when the economy plummeted, which sent the big plans crashing to the ground with it. For two years everything was on hold. This week however, the offices and homes are revealed, designed with architectural brilliance but much more suited to the roots of the area.

The name that the locals objected to so vehemently, Noho, has been changed and in reference to the areas Edwardian mansion blocks it is now simply called Fitzroy Place.

The project is striking, there is a new public square which increases the space on the original plan by 30 per cent. Surrounding the square are a total of 291 apartments, the blocks in these apartments reach 10 storeys high. Parking is of utmost importance to residents and visitors, so two levels have been made at lb95,000 a space. In addition there is extra storage, a private members club with a gym, cinema, a library and a business lounge.

The design of the interior is not showy and over the top but it does try to impress global brands such as Saatchi & Saatchi advertising agency executives, by using a mixture of classic and contemporary design.

Fitzrovia established itself as media worthy in 1932 when the BBC opened a broadcasting house. It continues to remain a favourite within the media world. Former clothing company property's have been converted into apartments, offices and quality restaurants. Average hotels have gone downhill, making way for The Sanderson.

The legendary character it achieved is not really there today, however the area is still distinctly unique despite various corporations many attempts to regenerate it. A recent idea was a private sector led business improvement that would no doubt destroy small businesses.

Tottenham Court Road, Euston Road, Oxford Street and Great Portland street enclose Fitzrovia, and Fitzrovia borders Soho, Marylebone and Bloomsbury.

Fitzrovia does struggle to be known as a place in itself due to all the iconic locations surrounding it. It is very cheap, it is thought that this is due to there not being much monumental architecture in the area. Also the streets tend not to match each other very well due to being owned by single land owners who do their own thing.

Fitzrovia for some reason has a definite charm and this will continue on. Hospital and university departments and a large Royal Mail depot have held back the much wanted air of continental high street chic that has made Marylebone High Street so famous.

The following streets are very popular for flats amongst home buyers and renters - Great Titchfield Street, Langham Street, Riding House Street and Foley Street, the flats that are highly sought after are mostly above shops and restaurants.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment