Q Life Magazine Q Magazine June 2017 | Page 22

| Issue 2 From Shell Centre to Southbank Place S hell Centre occupies one of the most desirable addresses in London. Located on the banks of the Thames opposite the Houses of Parliament and Westminster, and adjacent to the London Eye, it is perhaps one of the most iconic developments in the capital. Built between 1957 and 1962, Shell Centre houses the central London headquarters of Royal Dutch Shell. Over time, the estate has occupied a symbolic place in the city’s history due to its impressive proportions, and the tradition of displaying a countdown clock for the capital’s New Year’s Eve celebrations. In 2011, Qatari Diar and the Canary Wharf Group (in which Qatar has a 28% stake) won the rights to redevelop the 134,000 m² area for a record- breaking £300 million on a 999-year lease. A year later, the two partners announced their plans to redevelop the area, now named “Southbank Place,” to build 790 flats, over 46,000 m² of office space, and more than 7,000 m² of commercial area in line with the most stringent standards of sustainable development. Various new public spaces will also be built in the area. The project, as described by Qatari Diar CEO Mohammed Bin Ali Al- Hedfa, will serve to “enhance an area in need of a renaissance” and place the “South Bank at its rightful place, at the capital’s heart.” This ambitious project will transform one of London’s flagship developments into a modern centre, at the crossroads of some of the city’s most important transport hubs and tourist attractions. 22