Proposed measures aim to prevent the destruction of a London historical icon

In the heart of London, a contentious issue has arisen concerning the future of Selkrik House, a 1960s building located in the city centre. Last year, Pilbrow & Partners proposed plans to demolish the well-known supermarket chain and replace it with a 10-storey office block.

However, a counterproposal has been put forth by MBH Architects, and the fate of Selkrik House now hangs in the balance. The plans, presented at a Save Museum Street campaign event, aim to retain the existing structure and transform it into a sustainable development.

The project, led by Jim Monahan, includes creating new homes, shops, a courtyard, and a reduction of the current height by 3m. Moreover, the plans propose the addition of a rooftop garden, a tourist information point, and office space.

Architect Simon Sturgis, known for his advocacy for sustainable architecture, has proposed plans to retrofit Selkrik House. He argues that retrofitting the site would take half the time compared to demolition and rebuilding, and would be more environmentally friendly.

Sturgis's comments were made at the same event, where he also challenged DSDHA's initial plans for Selkrik House with respect to meeting net zero by 2050 goals. He deemed the original plans as failing to meet Greater London Authority and RIBA targets.

The demolition of the building could seriously affect air pollution levels, a concern shared by Sturgis. He compared the Selkrik House plans to Pilbrow & Partners' proposed plans for Marks & Spencer in Oxford Street, stating the latter would have released around 40,000 tones of CO2.

The building, constructed in the 1960s, is likely to contain hazardous materials like lead paint and asbestos, adding another layer of complexity to the decision-making process.

The interest group "Museums Association" advocated for the preservation of Selkirk House and was represented at the Save Museum Street campaign event. Griff Rhys Jones, the president of the Victorian Society, was also present at the event, lending his support to the cause.

No date has been set for Camden Council to decide on DSDHA's plans following MBH Architects' counterproposal. As the city grapples with rising cost-of-living and homelessness, the future of Selkrik House serves as a symbol of sustainable development and preservation of London's architectural heritage.