West End garden claims new development will block its light and threaten its ecosystem.
It's hard to write about the Phoenix Community Garden without using the word 'oasis'. The much-loved patch of greenery is a welcome respite for many, tucked away from the bustle of Covent Garden and Charing Cross Road. But, according to campaigners, the tranquil spot is now threatened by the redevelopment of the Odeon cinema building at 135-149 Shaftesbury Avenue.
Developers Yoo Capital seek to more than double the height of the building, to accommodate a new hotel. Meanwhile, a new basement would be dug beneath the existing block as the nucleus of a live entertainment venue.
Campaigners for the Phoenix Garden and Covent Garden Community Association are concerned that this extra height will seriously overshadow the garden. The building stands south-east of the green patch, potentially blocking the sun in the first part of the day.
This, say representatives of the garden, could spell disaster for plants and wildlife: "If the application is successful, we will loose up to 60% of sunlight to the The Phoenix Garden. This will cause the destruction of many plant and bird species currently thriving in our micro climate.
The developer's own daylight and sunlight report begs to differ. Their modelling suggests 33.8% change on existing shade during a spring day. Either way, this must surely have an effect on the the garden's ecosystem.
The Odeon building opened in 1931 as the Saville Theatre, a popular West End venue. It is architecturally distinctive and carries a Grade II listing. It's also had a distinguished musical history, playing host to such luminaries as the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix and Nirvana. The redevelopment would see part of the building return to live entertainment after many decades as a cinema. Cirque du Soleil has been linked to the project.
Covent Garden Community Association are not impressed. They list 12 major objections to the scheme, including damage to the appearance and context of the building, loss of a popular cinema and nuisance to the back streets from service vehicles for a 10 storey hotel. The potential harm to the Phoenix Garden and adjacent playground is also cited.
If you agree with their assessment, objections can be made until 5 May by emailing Camden planning department on [email protected] and the conservation officer [email protected], quoting application numbers 2024/0993/P and 2024/1005/L. (CGCA suggest copying in [email protected], so they can monitor people’s points are support where possible),
The planning documents are available online from Camden's website.
