Education

Westminster’s new university library signals shift in cultural hub development

Friday, 31 October 2025 5:07AM UTC

Westminster City Council has approved plans for a striking seven-storey university library, integrating modern architecture with the city’s historic landscape and exemplifying the area's broader cultural and community growth.

Westminster City Council has unanimously approved plans by Perkins & Will to replace a vacant NHS health centre with a new, seven-storey library for the University of Westminster. The proposed development at 115 New Cavendish Street will see the demolition of the existing Latimer House building, a four-storey 1930s brick structure on Hanson Street in Marylebone, which has been unused since the university acquired it in 2016. The building, although historic, is not listed and falls outside a conservation area, which factored into the council’s decision.

The new library is designed to serve as a hub for student services, seamlessly linking with the university’s established Cavendish campus. Perkins & Will’s architectural plans feature a distinctive gridded bronze-coloured metal facade positioned between two concrete towers flanking the site. The design also includes a new entrance on Hanson Street, aiming to enhance accessibility and integration with the surrounding urban fabric. Westminster’s planning officers expressed regret over the loss of the existing building but ultimately accepted the university’s case that the constraints of the 1930s structure made its retention impractical.

The project brings together a specialist team including Gleeds as quantity surveyors, Fusion handling project management, Price & Myers on structural engineering, and other consultants covering heritage, transport, engagement, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing services. This development signals the university’s commitment to enriching its facilities and providing modern, purpose-built resources for its students.

This library scheme forms part of a broader context of significant cultural and community developments in the Westminster area. For example, the council recently unveiled the West End Arts Library, a specialist facility located between Leicester Square and the National Gallery. Housed in a Grade II listed building with historic ties to Isaac Newton, this library is the only specialist arts public library in the West End and offers extensive collections in art, design, music, and performing arts. Its opening represents a strategic effort by Westminster City Council to nurture the local creative community and provide specialised resources for artists, students, and enthusiasts.

Meanwhile, another major community-focused project in Marylebone is underway with Willmott Dixon’s £36 million restoration of the historic Seymour Centre, also a 1930s Grade II listed building. This renovation will include a refurbished swimming pool, sports hall, open-plan gym, and a new home for the Marylebone Library. Scheduled for completion in 2026, the project prioritises accessibility improvements and community amenities such as a children’s soft play area and café, while conserving the building’s distinctive art deco heritage. The expansion of library services in Westminster, from university facilities to public offerings, demonstrates a comprehensive commitment to education, culture, and community wellbeing.

The University of Westminster’s new library initiative aligns with Westminster Council’s broader ambitions for urban regeneration and sustainable development, as seen in other recent approvals of mixed-use schemes, such as the transformation of office buildings near Westminster Abbey and new residential-commercial developments. While some of these projects have raised concerns regarding their architectural impact or proximity to heritage sites, the council’s planning committees have managed to balance respect for historical contexts with the need to foster dynamic, future-oriented urban environments.

Together, these developments underscore the ongoing evolution of Westminster as a centre for learning, culture, and community engagement, blending modern architectural interventions with the preservation and enhancement of the city’s rich heritage.

📌 Reference Map:

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Paragraph 4 – ^[2] (Westminster City Council)
Paragraph 5 – ^[3] (Willmott Dixon), ^[4] (Westminster City Council)
Paragraph 6 – ^[5] (Architects Journal), ^[6] (Architects Journal)

Source: Noah Wire Services

More on this

https://www.bdonline.co.uk/news/perkins-and-wills-westminster-library-scheme-unanimously-approved/5139023.article - Please view link - unable to able to access data
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/news/westminster-city-council-unveils-specialist-arts-library-west-end - Westminster City Council has unveiled the West End Arts Library, a specialist arts library located between Leicester Square and the National Gallery. Officially opened on 22 October, the library offers a unique collection of resources in art and design, performing arts, and music. Housed in a Grade II listed building that was once the home of Isaac Newton, it is the only specialist arts public library in the West End. The library now hosts Westminster’s Music Library, providing extensive loan collections of books, scores, performance parts, and sheet music. Visitors will find curated collections in art and design, music, and performing arts, catering to actors, musicians, interior designers, town planners, students, and anyone passionate about these disciplines. To mark its opening, the library is presenting a special exhibition from the Professional Cartoonists’ Organisation and an interactive workshop on Afrobeats/Ndombolo organised by CheriCoco. The reopening of the library is seen as a powerful first step in strengthening Westminster’s creative community.
https://www.willmottdixon.co.uk/news/willmott-dixon-expands-heritage-restoration-credentials-with-westminster-project - Willmott Dixon is continuing its long-term relationship with Westminster City Council with a £36 million project to restore the historic 1930s Grade II listed Seymour Centre in Marylebone. The project includes a complete restoration of the three-storey centre, delivering a refurbished swimming pool, new sports hall, open plan gym, café, and a permanent home for the Marylebone Library over two floors. The upgrade to the five-court sports hall will also see new flooring installed to make it more accessible for wheelchair users. Additionally, the pool will become more accessible with the installation of a pool pod. Scheduled to be completed in 2026, the modern new Seymour Centre will deliver a facility that can be fully utilised by the local community, with dedicated space for children and families, an upgraded climbing centre, expanded soft play area, and additional space for buggy parking.
https://www.westminster.gov.uk/leisure-libraries-and-community/seymour-centre-project - Westminster City Council is undertaking an improvement project at the Seymour Centre, aiming to provide new and enhanced facilities including an open plan gym, refurbished swimming pool, contemporary library, café, children’s soft play area, and improved climbing wall, all while maintaining the building’s art deco features. The refurbished Seymour Centre is envisioned as a thriving community hub, offering a range of services that respect its rich heritage while acknowledging the changing needs of its users. The project is committed to delivering high-quality community spaces and services, with completion scheduled for 2026. The council is also committed to making the building much more accessible and improving its energy efficiency as part of its ambition for carbon neutrality by 2040.
https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/ahmm-wins-approval-for-part-demolition-office-scheme-next-to-westminster-abbey - AHMM's proposals to transform a 1960s office building next to Westminster Abbey have been approved despite concerns over its design. The project involves part-demolition and redevelopment of the existing office building to create a new mixed-use development. The approval was granted by Westminster City Council, allowing the project to proceed. The development aims to enhance the area surrounding Westminster Abbey and provide new office and retail spaces. The design has been subject to scrutiny due to its proximity to the historic site, but the council has deemed it appropriate for the location. The project is expected to contribute positively to the local economy and urban landscape.
https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/large-mixed-use-scheme-picks-up-planning-in-westminster - A nine-storey building designed by Clerkenwell-based Tate + Hindle Design has won approval from Westminster council. The mixed-use scheme includes residential and commercial spaces and is set to be located in Westminster. The planning approval marks a significant development in the area, contributing to the urban landscape and providing new housing and commercial opportunities. The design has been praised for its architectural merit and suitability for the site. The project is expected to enhance the local community and economy by providing much-needed housing and commercial facilities. The approval reflects the council's commitment to sustainable development and urban regeneration in Westminster.
https://www.architectsjournal.co.uk/news/pbpw-wins-planning-for-20m-city-scheme - A Pringle Brandon Perkins + Will-designed redevelopment of a 1950s office block in the City of London has been granted planning permission. The £20 million scheme involves transforming the existing office building into a modern mixed-use development, providing new office spaces and amenities. The design aims to revitalise the area and offer high-quality workspaces in a prime location. The planning approval signifies confidence in the project's potential to enhance the city's architectural landscape and contribute to its economic growth. The redevelopment is expected to attract new businesses and provide a contemporary working environment in the heart of London.

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score: 8

Notes: The narrative appears to be original, with no evidence of prior publication. The earliest known publication date is October 31, 2025. The report is based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. No recycled content or republishing across low-quality sites was identified.

Quotes check

Score: 10

Notes: No direct quotes were identified in the narrative.

Source reliability

Score: 9

Notes: The narrative originates from BD Online, a reputable UK-based architecture and construction news outlet. The report cites information from Westminster City Council and Perkins & Will, both of which have verifiable public presences.

Plausability check

Score: 9

Notes: The claims made in the narrative are plausible and align with known developments in the Westminster area. The narrative includes specific factual anchors, such as names, institutions, and dates. The language and tone are consistent with UK English and appropriate for the topic. No excessive or off-topic detail unrelated to the claim was noted. The tone is formal and resembles typical corporate or official language.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary: The narrative is original, based on a recent press release, and originates from a reputable source. The claims are plausible, with specific factual anchors and appropriate language and tone. No signs of disinformation or recycled content were identified.

Westminster City Council
University of Westminster
urban regeneration