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 have been developing plans for an exciting 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.

A 3D map of a city block showing different colored buildings and streets with labels, including Bear Street in blue, Hunts Court in yellow, Cranbourne Alley in light blue, and Leicester Square in yellow, along with street names and key locations.

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.

We are developing proposals 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.

Night view of the proposed LSX development with a large digital screen displaying a landscape. "LSX Food Court," and a tall tower with illuminated vertical signs reading "ODEON". People are walking and socialising in the plaza.

At the top of the building, a rooftop restaurant with terraces will offer new views across Leicester Square and beyond. At street level, there will be places to eat and drink, which could include a food court, restaurants, or casual dining options.

Proposed LSX Development. People sitting at tables on a rooftop terrace overlooking a city skyline with trees and buildings.
Explore our vision and proposals

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.

Find out more about Soho Estates and the project in our FAQs section