- Location
- London & South East
- Client
- John Lewis Partnership
Purcell, in collaboration with Sergison Bates Architects, led repairs and enhanced the 1930s and 1960s façades of the Peter Jones department store.
Peter Jones is an iconic John Lewis Partnership-owned department store which sits in the heart of the Cadogan Estate and Sloane Square Conservation Area in Kensington and Chelsea.
Composed of 20th Century Grade II and Grade II*-listed buildings, the site was refurbished between 1999 and 2004, but since then limited work has been undertaken and the buildings’ façades are in need of extensive restoration.
Working with Sergison Bates, Purcell's expertise and understanding of 20th Century buildings has helped inform the scheme, including a detailed Heritage Statement and Condition Appraisal of the listed facades.
The project is an exciting collaboration. From the beginning, the client identified a great complementary skill set between the practices, with Sergison Bates’s bespoke experience in boutique design and Purcell’s expert understanding of listed buildings, including 20th Century listed buildings.
— Liz Smith, Head of Architecture
Our expertise and understanding of 20th Century buildings has enabled our team to develop a detailed Heritage Statement in addition to a Condition Appraisal of the listed façades which has determined the appropriate interventions to support the restoration and redesign of the site.
The project will not only restore Peter Jones's listed façades, but also take the opportunity to upgrade certain aspects of the building — such as its canopy structure — which has been redundant since the 1970s. In addition, the ground floor of Peter Jones has one of the longest shop windows in Europe. As part of the project, our team is adding a new doorway into the site to increase access.
In light of the client’s aspirations, a new colour and lighting scheme will be redesigned while the development of a new community garden and bar on the site’s rooftop will increase and diversify the department store's audience.
Having successfully achieved planning permission to address the scheme sensitively, the project will ensure the sustainable longevity of this important landmark and enable the site to continue to be a key community asset in the heart of West London.
Like the Schocken stores in Germany that preceded it, Peter Jones’s Modern Movement facades were designed to showcase and sell. The sustainability of that function has been paramount in the conservation effort and from the start, Purcell placed commercial restoration and enhancement at the centre of its arguments for change. The future of this superb building rests on its ability to function for the purpose it was designed for and this project has ensured it has a bright future as a national icon and a local landmark.
— Jon Wright, Twentieth Century Heritage Consultant
Client: John Lewis Partnership (JLP)
Location: London, UK
Listed Status: Grade II*
Period: 20th Century
Related Content
I am an architectural enthusiast with a comprehensive understanding of heritage conservation and commercial restoration, particularly focusing on 20th Century buildings. My expertise stems from a wealth of knowledge acquired through extensive research, practical experience, and a passion for architectural history and preservation.
In the article about the restoration and enhancement of the Peter Jones department store in London, I can provide in-depth insights into the concepts and elements mentioned:
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Location: London & South East
- The project is situated in London, specifically in the Kensington and Chelsea area, contributing to the rich architectural landscape of the city.
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Client: John Lewis Partnership
- The client for the restoration project is the renowned John Lewis Partnership, a well-established entity in the retail industry. Their involvement signifies a commitment to preserving the historical and architectural significance of the Peter Jones department store.
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Architectural Firms: Purcell and Sergison Bates Architects
- The collaboration involves Purcell, known for its expertise in listed buildings, especially from the 20th Century, and Sergison Bates Architects, recognized for their bespoke experience in boutique design. The synergy between the two firms combines specialist knowledge in heritage conservation and contemporary design.
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Peter Jones Department Store
- An iconic John Lewis Partnership-owned department store situated in the Cadogan Estate and Sloane Square Conservation Area in Kensington and Chelsea.
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Architectural History: 1930s and 1960s Façades
- The project focuses on repairing and enhancing the 1930s and 1960s façades of the Grade II and Grade II*-listed buildings that make up the Peter Jones department store.
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Heritage Statement and Condition Appraisal
- Purcell's expertise is demonstrated through the development of a detailed Heritage Statement and Condition Appraisal, guiding the restoration efforts and interventions required for the listed facades.
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Upgrades and Restoration Efforts
- The project not only aims to restore the listed facades but also includes upgrades such as the revitalization of the canopy structure, dormant since the 1970s. The ground floor will see increased accessibility through the addition of a new doorway.
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Commercial Restoration and Enhancement
- Purcell emphasizes the commercial restoration and enhancement at the core of the project, ensuring that the building not only retains its historical significance but also functions effectively in the contemporary context.
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Community Engagement and Sustainability
- The project includes community-oriented elements such as a new community garden and bar on the rooftop, aiming to diversify the department store's audience. Sustainability is a key consideration in the conservation effort.
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*Listed Status: Grade II; Period: 20th Century**
- Peter Jones is a Grade II* listed building, reflecting its architectural and historical importance as a 20th Century structure.
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Planning Permission
- The successful achievement of planning permission underscores the sensitivity with which the project approaches the restoration, ensuring the sustainable longevity of the landmark.
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Future Vision and Functionality
- The article highlights the importance of preserving the building's ability to function for its intended purpose. The commercial and community aspects are considered vital for its future as a national icon and local landmark.
In summary, this restoration project is a testament to the intersection of historical preservation, commercial viability, and community engagement in the field of architectural conservation.
