Major mixed-use scheme includes 72-storey Renzo Piano-designed tower

Renzo Piano Paddington

Sellar Group has submitted plans to Westminster council for its major mixed-use scheme in Paddington.

The plans include the transformation of a former Royal Mail sorting office at 31 London Street adjacent to Paddington station into a 72-storey Renzo Piano-designed cylindrical tower with homes, offices and retail space. Building understands Sellar has submitted the scheme for planning.

The scheme is being developed in joint venture with Great Western Development, a subsidiary of Singaporean firm Hotel Properties Ltd

The project has been designed by Renzo Piano with consultants WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff and Turner &Townsend on the design team - the trio also worked with Sellar on the Shard.

The cylindrical tower was heightened by seven storeys prior to submission for planning approval, which has caused controversy.

Historic England’s planning and conservation director Nigel Barker has criticised the developers and planning consultant Gerald Eve for failing to properly engage with the organisation, calling the planning application “hasty”.

Building’s sister title BD reports this morning that the Royal Parks has also lodged an objection, expressing “great concern” at the “adverse impact” the 254m tower would have on views from four of its seven parks.

A Sellar spokesperson said the developer had “the best interests of London at heart”.

“The mixed-use scheme will create a new landmark for London. The development will benefit the tens of thousands of passengers that use Paddington station each day, improving connectivity and supporting the growth of this important part of London,” the spokesperson added.