CLS unveiled initial details today of its redevelopment plans for its 2.9 acre HQ site at Vauxhall Cross next to Vauxhall train, Underground and bus stations.

The mixed use scheme is for approximately 1.2 million sq ft gross area and has been designed by leading architects Allies and Morrison

It will include:-

·    a major new public square (similar in size to Paternoster Square in Central London)

·    over 200,000 sq ft of offices

·    a 300 bed hotel

·    over 80,000 sq ft of retail with restaurants and bars

·    over 400 residential apartments in two towers of over 40 storeys

·    a 6 screen cinema

·    approximately 240 bed student housing

CLS intends to submit a detailed planning application in late 2011 and vacant possession of the site is expected in 2014.

The scheme is intended to be developed for completion in 2016/2017, which is similar to the anticipated delivery of the new embassy.

Plans also include a network of eight aerial walkways for pedestrians.

CLS has launched an international design competition for the Linear Walk with a shortlist of specialist architects comprising Exploration Architecture (France), Heneghen Peng (Ireland), Knight Architects (UK), Marks Barfield (UK) and RFR (France).

Richard Tice, Chief Executive Officer of CLS, said: “These significant regeneration plans can provide Vauxhall with a new public square the size of Paternoster Square and establish the area as the next major London growth zone, just over a mile from the Houses of Parliament.

“We believe they can accelerate the redevelopment anticipated around the new US Embassy and provide an innovative solution to one of the major blights of the Vauxhall area, namely the congested and difficult to navigate gyratory system.

“We have already secured substantial support from early discussions with a number of key stakeholders and major nearby landowners.

“In addition, the US Embassy has confirmed that they encourage the creation of a pedestrian friendly environment that connects Vauxhall to their new building.

“As a long-standing local Vauxhall-based company and sponsor in the local community, CLS looks forward to discussing these exciting plans with all stakeholders.”