Artlyst reported back in June 2011 that rent rises and retail gentrification could displace the art galleries in London’s Cork Street. A lot has transpired since this first report and now the Save Cork Street campaign has received over 13,000 signatures, illustrating the strength of public feeling about the campaign.
The developers are attempting to take hold on both sides of the famous gallery district’s road. Cork Street in Mayfair could suffer the nail in the coffin that has plagued much of the area, including Dover Street, Old Bond Street and Savile Row. The proposal sets out to develop retail and luxury flats and if successful it would put rents out of reach for most galleries. Standard Life the owners of a large chunk of the road announced that they had a buyer for their Cork Street property in September. They also agreed a £90m deal to redevelop the building changing the useage. The building is prooposed to be designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners, the same architects used by the Candy brothers’ at One Hyde Park. This will scatter up to 20 art galleries including The Mayor Gallery which was the first gallery on Cork Street, in 1925.
The Pollen Estate submitted their planning application to Westminster City Council at the end of last year and Save Cork Street responded with a detailed objection letter prepared by our planning consultant, Dominic Lawson. A similar objection letter will be sent in respect of Native Land’s imminent planning application and it is expected the Council will make their decision regarding these planning applications in March and June respectively. We will keep you posted.
In the meantime media interest in the Save Cork Street campaign continues and press articles are currently in the pipeline with Time Magazine, the Independent and the Guardian. In addition it is hoped a ‘Save Cork Street’ documentary will be commissioned for national television in the spring.
Please sign up and help petition against yet more corporate greed that will turn this cultural hub into yet another faceless and bland part of the city and help Cork Street maintain its position on the Art world map. Threatening to raise rents will also drive the galleries out. We ask for a substantial lease on these properties so that we can stay here for years to come. As a regular visitor to Cork Street, I am amazed at the apparent disregard for the historical value, public appreciation, art lovers, artists and all those people who have heard of the reputation of this internationally renowned and valued street, so close to the Royal Academy. The diversity and quality of art in these galleries seems to count for nothing. I am appalled at the idea of developing this area – just for once, let things stay as they are! Cork Street is part of our cultural heritage – it offers an oasis of individual galleries that show great art that enhance our lives. It attracts clients from all around the world and losing galleries would be a great loss not only to Cork Street itself, but also the surrounding retailers who benefit hugely from Cork Street visitors.
The developers are attempting to take hold on both sides of the famous gallery district’s road. Cork Street in Mayfair could suffer the nail in the coffin that has plagued much of the area, including Dover Street, Old Bond Street and Savile Row. The proposal sets out to develop retail and luxury flats and if successful it would put rents out of reach for most galleries. Standard Life the owners of a large chunk of the road announced that they had a buyer for their Cork Street property in September. They also agreed a £90m deal to redevelop the building changing the useage. The building is prooposed to be designed by Rogers Stirk Harbour and Partners, the same architects used by the Candy brothers’ at One Hyde Park. This will scatter up to 20 art galleries including The Mayor Gallery which was the first gallery on Cork Street, in 1925. The Pollen Estate submitted their planning application to Westminster City Council at the end of last year and Save Cork Street responded with a detailed objection letter prepared by our planning consultant, Dominic Lawson. A similar objection letter will be sent in respect of Native Land’s imminent planning application and it is expected the Council will make their decision regarding these planning applications in March and June respectively. We will keep you posted. In the meantime media interest in the Save Cork Street campaign continues and press articles are currently in the pipeline with Time Magazine, the Independent and the Guardian. In addition it is hoped a ‘Save Cork Street’ documentary will be commissioned for national television in the spring. Please sign up and help petition against yet more corporate greed that will turn this cultural hub into yet another faceless and bland part of the city and help Cork Street maintain its position on the Art world map. Threatening to raise rents will also drive the galleries out. We ask for a substantial lease on these properties so that we can stay here for years to come. As a regular visitor to Cork Street, I am amazed at the apparent disregard for the historical value, public appreciation, art lovers, artists and all those people who have heard of the reputation of this internationally renowned and valued street, so close to the Royal Academy. The diversity and quality of art in these galleries seems to count for nothing. I am appalled at the idea of developing this area – just for once, let things stay as they are! Cork Street is part of our cultural heritage – it offers an oasis of individual galleries that show great art that enhance our lives. It attracts clients from all around the world and losing galleries would be a great loss not only to Cork Street itself, but also the surrounding retailers who benefit hugely from Cork Street visitors.