The Plan
Reinvigorating Leicester Square
Leicester Square welcomes around 30 million visitors a year and underpins London’s global reputation for film, culture and entertainment.
Soho Estates will be submitting a planning application this summer for the mixed-use redevelopment of 17–21 Leicester Square and the surrounding buildings on Bear Street and Cranbourn Street. The site is currently occupied by Burger King, Pizza Hut and Market Place Food Hall fronting Leicester Square. The buildings across the site are dated and inefficient and fail to reflect the importance of this globally recognised location.
The site comprises 8 properties,
all owned by Soho Estates. Over time, these buildings have been divided, combined, and modified, with tenants
split over multiple properties.
The proposals are for a new visitor attraction, alongside food and beverage outlets, intended to strengthen Leicester Square’s role as a major visitor and cultural destination. The main public entrance to the visitor attraction would be located on Cranbourn Street, close to Leicester Square Underground station, helping to manage visitor flows and minimise pressure on the square during busy periods and major events.
The design draws inspiration from the West End’s cinema and theatre heritage, with a sculptural façade inspired by a stage curtain. A rotating LED screen facing Leicester Square will display a mix of community, arts, and cultural programming as well as commercial content.
At the top of the building, a rooftop restaurant with terraces will offer new views across Leicester Square and beyond. At street level, new food and beverage spaces could include a food court, restaurants or casual dining options.
Delivering lasting economic benefits
The project would be privately funded and is expected to create jobs and attract visitors. Designed with sustainability, heritage and community in mind, it delivers strong environmental benefits and will bring new life to surrounding streets. New shop fronts on Bear Street and Cranbourn Street will create a welcoming, vibrant entrance to the Square, strengthening connections and enhancing the experience for residents, commuters and visitors.
Analysis of the economic impact of the proposals estimates the visitor attraction would generate £48 million in net additional visitor spending each year. This is the extra money visitors would spend in local shops, restaurants and other businesses before and after their visit. The scheme is also expected to support around 950 full-time equivalent jobs within the venue and the local area.
The planning application will be submitted to Westminster City Council this summer. Once validated, the application documents will be available to view as part of the statutory planning process.