Transformed London retail space, Whiteleys, now offers opulent lifestyle goods ranging from everyday items to the extraordinary, branded as premium shopping destination.
Revitalizing a London Landmark: The Historic Redevelopment of William Whiteley's Department Store
After a seven-year hiatus, the iconic William Whiteley's department store in west London is set to re-emerge as a luxury mixed-use development, blending its rich retail heritage with contemporary design and high-end amenities.
Originally opened in 1911, the store, which promised customers could buy "everything from a pin to an elephant," was one of the world's largest shops and a pioneering enterprise by retail entrepreneur William Whiteley. The store expanded over five decades, becoming one of the world's pioneering department stores [1][2][5].
A New Lease of Life
The £1.2 to £1.5 billion redevelopment project, located on Queensway near Hyde Park, occupies an entire city block and is anchored by the retained and restored Grade II-listed historic façade of the original building [1][2]. The development includes 139 unique luxury homes, ranging from studios to five-bedroom apartments, townhouses, and penthouses. One such apartment, the clock tower apartment, features a bespoke six-metre ceiling, Italian-designed interiors by B&B Italia (Maxalto collection), a large bookcase, and a terrace with views across London [1][3].
In addition to residential components, the redevelopment includes a 109-room Six Senses Hotel — the first of this brand in the UK — and around 20 new stores, restaurants, a cinema, a state-of-the-art gym, and publicly accessible spaces, creating a comprehensive lifestyle destination [2].
Targeting the High-Net-Worth Market
The redevelopment targets a high-net-worth demographic seeking "quiet luxury" and sophisticated, architecturally significant living spaces with bespoke design and quality craftsmanship [1][3]. The inclusion of a luxury hotel, art galleries, stylish retail outlets, and fine dining further positions The Whiteley as a premium lifestyle hub, appealing to affluent Londoners and international clientele [2].
A Meticulous Approach
Alex Michelin, founder and CEO of Valouran, the company responsible for the restoration and reinvention of The Whiteley, took a "meticulous approach" to the project, ensuring that the building’s interior pays homage to its retail heritage while preserving and enhancing the historical architectural integrity [1][3]. The original majestic internal staircase, modelled after Milan’s La Scala theatre, is a testament to this approach [2][3].
The shopping street of Queensway is also undergoing a £3bn revival, involving demolition, widening pavements, and upgrading tube stations [6]. With the redevelopment of The Whiteley, Queensway is set to become a vibrant and desirable location for both residents and visitors.
Apartments Still Available
As of now, an apartment still available at The Whiteley is a £24m four-bed situated inside the building's historic clock tower, with a terrace inside its glass dome [1]. Another three-bedroom apartment, priced at £13.5m, features a mezzanine with its own entrance, a living room, bathroom, and bedroom [4].
The homes range from £1.5m for entry-level apartments to £40m for the grandest [7]. With its unique blend of historical grandeur and modern luxury, The Whiteley offers an exclusive living experience in one of London's most regenerated neighborhoods.
[1] The Telegraph [2] The Guardian [3] Evening Standard [4] The Times [5] BBC News [6] Property Week [7] The Resident London
