Marks & Spencer building on Oxford Street on 11th April 2022 in London
(Picture: In Pictures via Getty Images)Bill Bryson and a host of award-winning architects are opposing plans to demolish the Marks and Spencer at Marble Arch.
The retail giant wants to demolish the existing 92-year-old Art Deco building next to Selfridge’s on Oxford Street and replace it with a ten storey steel and glass retail and office complex.
The proposal has been strongly criticised by campaigners who argue that it should be refurbished instead to save “embedded carbon” emissions.
Travel author Bill Bryson, who wrote Notes from a Small Island, has donated £500 to a crowdfunder established by the campaign group opposing the plans Save Britain’s Heritage.
He told the Architects’ Journal: “I believe it would be a great shame to tear down the M&S building. I have no special knowledge or insights about the matter. I just wish to help stop a bit of foolishness.”
His intervention came alongside architects including the Stirling prize winner Steve Tompkins and Mark Hines and Conservative MP Duncan Baker amid concerns the demolition would release almost 40,000 tonnes of carbon into the atmosphere.
Steve Tompkins, from Architects Declare who redesigned the National Theatre, wrote a letter opposing the plans: “Number 458 Oxford Street is a handsome piece of urban architecture, made with high-quality durable materials.
“It is a successful component of the wider streetscape and a familiar London landmark. For these reasons, the building appears to be an entirely suitable candidate for deep retrofitting.”
The plans had been approved by Westminster Council and the Greater London Authority led by the mayor, Sadiq Khan before they were called in by Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove.
Dee Corsi, chief operating office at business group New West End Company, backed M&S in the dispute.
She said: “Securing a bright and prosperous future for Oxford Street requires high levels of investment and development. It is vital that the Council and businesses redouble efforts to work together to deliver the long-awaited public realm investment, and ensure progressive planning and licencing policies are in place to enable businesses to respond to changing customer trends, by delivering innovative and future proof buildings that are fit for purpose for a revived, dynamic high street.”
