| 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.
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