Seven galleries on Cork Street face closure or relocation following a planning meeting by Westminster Council last week that approved a major redevelopment of the area. Those affected include the high profile Alpha Gallery and long established Mayor Gallery, which originally opened in 1902 and was one of the first UK spaces to exhibit artists such as Francis Bacon, Alexander Calder and Paul Klee.
The project involves demolishing an old office building that currently houses several small galleries and replacing it with a nine-storey apartment block designed by Richard Rogers. There will also be a restaurant and retail space.
The £300million development by London property developers Native Land will be made up of much larger units than those currently in use and they will be predominantly glass fronted. When Native Land purchased the building last year, it agreed to provide an ‘art-cade’ area in the street where new artists from local colleges will be able to display work. Other planning requirements include a legal obligation to provide a minimum of 1,247m2 retail space for art or antique gallery/shop purposes. The council’s planning committee claim that this, coupled with £6million of affordable housing, will ensure that galleries and young artists remain in the area.
Devastating impact
Campaigning group Save Cork Street believes the new units are not suitable for the gallery format associated with the current residents. Simon Tarrant, who is chairman of the Save Cork Street committee, said: “It will have a devastating impact on business. This little street is the heart and soul of the contemporary art scene. Over half the galleries will have to leave whilst the development is taking place and some will not be able to afford the inevitable increase in rent once the building is complete.”
Alastair Moss, chairman of Westminster’s planning committee, told the Evening Standard: “We are under no illusions as to how important this area is to London and to the UK. This is about securing Cork Street as an international destination and I believe we have done that. This building will become a destination in its own right and we are future-proofing Cork Street as well as protecting the gallery market in the area.”
Alasdair Nicholls, chief executive of Native Land, added: “These proposals will greatly enhance Cork Street and the experience of visiting one of London’s most established art gallery districts.”
For more information on the Save Cork Street campaign visit www.savecorkstreet.com
