St Johns Wood Square in City of Westminster, London

The St John's Wood Square Project is a distinctive development initiative, shaping the future of the former St John's Wood Barracks and adjacent properties at 1-7 Queen's Terrace. Spanning a 2.2-hectare expanse, this site is positioned strategically within St John's Wood, flanked by Finchley Road and Primrose Hill, and lying at the boundary of the St John's Wood Conservation Area. In a significant move, Westminster City Council sanctioned planning permission in May 2011 for a residential venture on this site. Following this, St John's Wood Square Ltd took ownership and refined the project, receiving approval for their revised plans in April 2015.

This approved plan paves the way for the creation of 117 private residences alongside 100 affordable homes, 41 of which are located offsite. A remarkable feature of this plan includes the restoration and transformation of a Grade II listed Riding School into a communal amenity, which underscores the project's commitment to preserving historical architecture while adapting it for modern use. The completion of the offsite affordable homes is set as a precondition before the occupancy of any onsite private homes, emphasizing a balanced development approach.

St John's Wood Square Ltd envisions this project as a premium residential area that harmonises with the aesthetic and communal ethos of St John's Wood. The goal is to foster a community that not only values its living environment but also contributes positively to the wider St John's Wood area. This entails providing a preferred residential choice for families, enhancing public spaces for communal enjoyment, and honouring the heritage linked to the St John's Wood Barracks site.

In 2022, the project received further modifications from the Westminster City Council, including a reduction in the basement size, fewer parking spaces, a shortened construction timeline, and the reconfiguration of villas into apartments, thereby increasing the total housing count from 176 to 179 units. These alterations reflect a thoughtful consideration towards sustainability and community needs.

St John's Wood Square Ltd's commitment extends to creating a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) exclusive to the development, ensuring that the residential tranquillity is maintained. Additionally, the historical Riding School, repurposed to include a private swimming pool, is set to become a leisure hub for local residents and schools, demonstrating a blend of exclusivity and community engagement.

This development not only signifies a revitalisation of a historical site but also showcases a commitment towards creating a harmonious and sustainable residential environment that respects its past while forging a vibrant future for its residents.