Developer Archlane's plans will see extensive internal and external refurbishment of the existing building together with a nine-storey tower block in the rear parking area which will provide new retail space at ground level and office space at higher levels. In total the refurbishment will create 300,000 square feet of grade A office space.
During the refurbishment, 13 floors of current office space will be converted to provide a 365-bedroom hotel. Archlane also has permission to create a new roof extension from the 12th fllor to provide a new bar for the hotel's use.
The ground floor of the Southbank building will be extended and converted to create a new landscaped area. This will provide restaurants and cafes with provision for some retail units.
The refurbished building will create employment space for around 2,800 jobs. This represents a 16% increase in the number of people employed at the site, Archlane said.
The planning application is now referable to the Mayor of London due to the size and location of Sea Containers House. Archlane said it planned to start the refurbishment in January 2012 with an aim to complete it at the beginning of 2014, subject to the Mayor's approval.
