New London Office the Octopus Given Planning Permission After Setbacks

A new contemporary office space in West London has gained planning permission after initial setbacks. London and Bath estates have been given approval for their new London office building alongside the M4 gateway.

Developer London and Bath Estates has gained planning permission for its new office space project dubbed Octopus, set to be located beside the M4 gateway into West London.

The 50 metre-tall, 5,000 metre-squared new London office building designed by Make Architects will be covered in LED classing and used to display public art and advertising.

It was finally approved by members of Hounslow Council’s sustainable development committee at the end of October of this year.

The 50,000 square feet Chiswick Roundabout office scheme will also include a retail showroom at ground level and rooftop temperate garden and public viewing gallery.

Proposals for the new London office were originally refused by the council in April 2010 after officers raised concerns about giant advertising screens on the building which could distract drivers.

Since then a public enquiry carried out by the Planning Inspectorate has concluded that the building would have no such adverse safety issues. The new London office was later approved because the committee felt it would have a long-term benefit for the area.

Councilor Steve Curran, vice chairman of the committee said: “Members felt it was an iconic building. There were more than 500 letters of support, Brentford Chamber of Commerce wanted it and we felt it would bring jobs and regeneration to the area.

Whilst Kim Gottlieb, managing director at London and Bath Estates said: “For one of the world’s greatest cities, a truly iconic building to mark the entrance along its primary transport route is long overdue.”

“The Octopus will create a point of focus and attract interest in this part of London, creating jobs and providing an economic boost at a time when this is sorely needed,” she added.

Upon completion the new London office is expected to provide 350 jobs and construction is set to start in the second half of next year.