Facelift in Store for Fulham's Imperial Studios


Good news for neighbours as demolition plans abandoned

Imperial Studios in Fulham as it is now
Imperial Studios in Fulham as it is now

May 15, 2023

Fulham’s dilapidated Imperial Studios, at the northern end of Imperial Road, are to be given a much-needed facelift.

The studios, which have been on the site at 3 - 9 Imperial Road since the 1930s, are one of the few remaining premises in SW6 providing industrial spaces to small businesses. Over the years the 16 studios have been occupied by dozens of local firms, including coffee workshops, antique dealers, workspace users and food delivery and handyman services.

In 2018 they hit the headlines when one of the occupiers, florist Philippa Craddock designed the floral decorations for Prince Harry and Meghan’s wedding in St George's Chapel in Windsor.

More recently, while still mostly occupied, the studios have become visibly run down and owner AG Bloom has now applied to Hammersmith & Fulham Council to give the building that it describes as a “light refurbishment”.

The application, ref 2023/00960/FUL is for:

External refurbishment of site comprising raising of existing roof, façade improvements, partial repositioning of refuse areas, installation of solar panels, the installation of cycle parking spaces, landscaping and associated works.

Aerial view of Imperial Studios
Aerial view of Imperial Studios

These improvements, which the company says are intended to make the premise more attractive to existing and prospective tenants, include installing 290 solar panels on the roof, repainting the exterior in sapphire blue and restoring the iconic central sign.

The plans are good news for neighbours, particularly those in Imperial Square directly behind the studios. In 2021, planning permission was granted for the then owners, Stonehaven Ltd to demolish the studios and replace them with a new four storey office building, despite many objections.

Visualisation from the applicant of the refurbished Imperial Studios
Visualisation from the applicant of the refurbished Imperial Studios

In January 2022, however, the studios were sold for £19.1 million to AG Bloom LML BV, a joint venture between Angelo Gordon and Bloom Developments.

Bloom Developments says its aim is to to transform under-utilised real estate in central London to “ultra-urban” warehousing. The company adds: “ Focusing on London’s inner city, our high spec warehouses bring together diverse communities of like-minded businesses. Creating new ecosystems where everybody flourishes and blooms under the same roof.“

Visualisation of the abandoned offices which were to replace Imperial StudiosVisualisation of the abandoned offices which were to replace Imperial Studios. Picture: Stonehaven Ltd

If the council grants permission, “Bloom Fulham” will become one of the venture's six warehouses across London when the refurbishment is complete in late 2023.

 


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