The Whiteley is no ordinary redevelopment project. With a total investment cost of £1 billion (RM5.4 billion), it is the cornerstone of the £3 billion transformation plan for Queensway, one of the busiest shopping streets in Bayswater, West London. The major revamp of Queensway (formerly Queen’s Road) by London-based real estate developer Finchatton involves shop front restoration, a series of landmark developments, a review of traffic flow, greening of the area, and adding a new public entrance to Hyde Park, one of London’s eight Royal Parks.
Meanwhile, The Whiteley, which was once Whiteleys Department Store, is one of the oldest landmark buildings along Queensway. It was built in 1911 and was the first-ever department store in London with a beautifully crafted, Grade II-listed façade.
“The Whiteley is the grand reimagining of the former Whiteleys Department Store. The Whiteley redevelopment project is bringing this stunning building back to life for a new generation. In this project, we have carefully retained and restored the façade, its grand staircase, its exterior clock, and its striking glass dome.
“It will bring together 139 world-leading residences with the UK’s first Six Senses spa and hotel as well as destination dining and retail outlets. It will not only transform the building but also the entire area,” Finchatton Sales Director Charles Leigh said.
Designed by international architectural studio Foster + Partners, The Whiteley also has 20 shops and restaurants to complement the residential and hospitality components. The 139 luxury apartments were officially launched in November 2021 in London, and in Singapore and Bangkok in June 2022. The built-ups range from 418 to 5,665 sq ft (up to 9,256 sq ft for penthouses). More than half of the units will have an outdoor terrace, with each unit having a ceiling height of at least 2.7m. These apartments are priced at £1.5 million.
“By providing a wide range of apartment sizes and floor plans, The Whiteley has a broader appeal than most traditional luxury residential projects. With prices starting from £1.5 million and the availability of alternative living options such as the Six Senses Residences that enable owners to generate income by putting their home back into hotel inventory over the course of the year, The Whiteley has attracted a lot of attention since its launch last year,” Leigh shares. He adds that the apartments have been snapped up by Britons, especially those based in London, who are attracted to the heritage and style that the building offers.
“The ceiling height has been a big draw for purchasers as they look to move out of traditional townhouses or similar older properties to homes that offer a sense of scale and space akin to the style, amenities, and security of a new development. The interest and take-up rate since launch has been extremely positive and we are currently seeing a rate of sale that is more than 3.5 times higher than other luxury projects in the capital,” he notes.
Leigh attributes the good response to the market positioning and prospect of The Whiteley, which is poised to be a landmark project for London and provides a prime city-center location while seamlessly combining heritage architecture with modern amenities and service.
“The Whiteley, which is minutes from Hyde Park and the transport hub of Paddington, is a fantastic location in an area steeped in history with an exciting future ahead. Our collaboration with Six Senses also provides residents with more than 60,000 sq ft of amenities, designed according to the unique style and exacting standards that Finchatton and Six Senses are renowned for,” Leigh says. Alongside a 20m pool, contemporary gym and 11 treatment rooms, the Six Senses spa and hotel exude grandness, which is rare in London.
