Bayswater Poised for Transformation: Major Mixed-Use Development Approved
A transformative mixed-use redevelopment project in Bayswater, London, has received the go-ahead from Westminster Council. This initiative, set to revitalise a prime stretch of Queensway, is being led by Vabel, one of the city’s innovative developers. The development will replace a previously consented proposal by Foster & Partners, marking a new era for the area.
Key Takeaways
- Vabel’s new scheme replaces an earlier plan by Foster & Partners for the Queensway site.
- The development features 94 homes, eight retail units, and enhanced public realm spaces.
- The project will retain a Tesco supermarket and reinstate key community amenities, such as a Post Office.
- The site is situated directly opposite the redevelopment of the iconic Whiteleys shopping centre, now known as The Whiteley.
- No definitive construction timeline has been announced yet.
Major Redevelopment Plans Unveiled for Queensway
Vabel, an experienced London developer, has taken centre stage with its ambitious plans to overhaul 114–150 Queensway in Bayswater. Having acquired the site in 2024, Vabel is moving forward with an in-house architectural team, stepping in for the renowned Foster & Partners, who designed the previous iteration known as The William.
The new 20,000 sqm mixed-use scheme is strategically located opposite The Whiteley—an extensive luxury redevelopment led by Laing O’Rourke—further accelerating the transformation of this west London neighbourhood.
New Homes, Retail, and Community Facilities
Vabel’s vision for the site comprises:
- 94 new homes aiming to meet local housing demands
- Eight ground-level retail spaces to attract businesses and invigorate the shopping experience
- The retention of a large Tesco supermarket, central to the neighbourhood’s day-to-day life
- The reinstatement of valued community facilities, including a Post Office
Table: Comparison of Previous and Current Bayswater Schemes
| Scheme | Homes | Office Space | Retail Units | Community Amenities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Foster’s Proposal | 32 | 11,000 sqm | Few | Not specified |
| Vabel’s Proposal | 94 | None | 8 | Tesco, Post Office to return |
A Catalyst For Queensway’s Renewal
This redevelopment is seen as a vital step in the re-energising of Queensway as a dynamic urban destination. The project aligns with ongoing regeneration efforts in the area, akin to the substantial £1bn redevelopment of the former Whiteleys shopping centre across the street, which now boasts luxury flats, wellness amenities, and the UK’s inaugural Six Senses hotel.
Daniel Baliti, Vabel’s managing director and co-founder, emphasised the developer’s commitment to contributing to the evolving vibrancy and diversity of Queensway, underlining the scheme’s role in fostering a multi-faceted community.
What Happens Next?
While the green light from Westminster Council marks a major milestone, Vabel has yet to announce a detailed timetable for construction or completion. Residents and local businesses can expect further updates as the plans proceed, with anticipation building for a new era in the heart of Bayswater.
