Zaha Hadid Architects has received the planning permission for its first mixed-use development at Vauxhall Cross Island, London, a site adjacent to Vauxhall Station. 

The scheme has been approved by the Lambeth Council on December 18, 2018 according to the Council's official website. ZHA's two-tower development, consisting a 53-storey tower, a 42-storey tower and a 10-storey connecting podium respectively, will include a hotel and office-led scheme, alongside new residential and retail uses and improvements to the public realm.

Situated at a site bounded by Parry Street (to the south), Bondway (to the east) and Wandsworth Road / Albert Embankment (to the west and north), the development of a pair of tower is conceived as "a strategic site and a gateway" for being a part of the new "transportation node", as it will potentially accommodate new high-density developments.

Previously, the proposal has widely been criticised by Vauxhall Bus Station preservationists and other opposing groups due to its over size and location.  

Following these objections, ZHA documented the project in detail in a press release sent earlier this year, the firm strongly defended its proposal and asserted that "the new proposal, comprising of two tall buildings with a low-level podium that creates a defined public square, will create 2,000 jobs and 260 new homes, including a mix of private and affordable."

"This decision is really important for Lambeth because of the benefits it delivers. It paves the way for new homes, a new town centre and extra council flats," said Cllr Matthew Bennett, Cabinet Member for Planning, Investment and New Homes after the plans approved.

"As a council we are determined to improve air quality, address the housing crisis, support business and create opportunity for all our communities, including creating 8,000 new jobs in Vauxhall. This project contributes to all those goals."

"The site which gained planning permission is known locally as the ‘Vauxhall Island Site’ and is currently unused and can’t be accessed by residents, despite being next to a Zone 1 tube station, just metres from the Thames and within walking distance of Westminster."

"We are determined to deliver for our borough, and ensure we are able to unlock this area’s full potential."

ZHA's 42-storey tower will provide 257 homes and the taller (53-storey tower) will have a 618 room hotel. The podium will feature the office space with 29 Blue Badge parking spaces for disabled drivers and 704 cycle spaces in the basement. At street level, the scheme would be a new public square as well as 53 visitor cycle spaces.

"There would be 23 London Living Rent flats on-site and the £30 million would be for affordable rented homes elsewhere in the borough, bringing the scheme up to a level equivalent to 30 per cent affordable housing," stated the Council in its press release.

"The development is designed to fit in with Transport for London (TfL) and the council’s redevelopment of Vauxhall bus station, and would include three new bus shelters."

According to the statement, the developer has also agreed to provide £780,000 towards supporting local employment and skills development, £960,000 towards carbon offsetting, £600,000 over ten years towards the open space, £220,00 towards a cycle hire dock. 

The development would also be liable for a local community infrastructure levy of approximately £22.4million and Mayoral Community Infrastructure Levy of around £5.4million for transport. Read the full report of the Council from here.

"We want to work with the community to identify how the square can be used to provide the greatest benefit to Vauxhall and what types of activities or events can be held here," said ZHA in its previous statement.

All visuals © Slashcube

> via Lambeth Council