Prime Bloomsbury portfolio hits market with £20 million GDV residential development potential

Known as the Bloomsbury Square Portfolio, the opportunity comprises 20-21 Southampton Place, 22 Southampton Place and 46-47 Bloomsbury Square, WC1. Formerly occupied as educational accommodation, the historic buildings occupy a prominent position overlooking Bloomsbury Square Gardens.  

The properties extend to approximately 19,400 sq ft (GIA) across three vacant buildings. Each building offers significant development potential and, following refurbishment, could be re-let within its existing use class or considered for a range of alternative uses, subject to the necessary planning consents.  

All three buildings have received positive pre-application feedback supporting conversion to residential use (C3), with current proposals envisaging the creation of four townhouses and four apartments across the portfolio, while also preserving their significant heritage value within the Bloomsbury Conservation Area.  

However, the opportunity also offers scope for a range of uses, including hotel accommodation (C1), alongside Class E and Class F uses encompassing retail, restaurants and cafés, educational facilities, art galleries, medical practices and private members' clubs, subject to the necessary planning consents.  

Nick Alderman, Head of Central London Land at Knight Frank, said: "The Bloomsbury Square Portfolio combines significant development potential with an outstanding location in one of London's most characterful and well-connected districts.  

These buildings offer a unique opportunity for a developer or investor to create exceptional homes in the heart of the capital, while sensitively restoring and celebrating their rich architectural and cultural heritage. The option to acquire the assets either as a portfolio or individually, alongside the flexibility to accommodate a wide variety of uses, is likely to appeal to a broad range of buyers."  

Located in one of Central London's most established and sought-after districts, the portfolio sits within easy reach of Covent Garden, Soho, the West End and the City of London, as well as many of the capital's leading academic, legal and cultural institutions, including The British Museum, University College London and the London School of Economics.  

The buildings benefit from excellent transport connectivity, with Holborn station just a short walk away, alongside Tottenham Court Road, Covent Garden, Russell Square, Chancery Lane and Farringdon stations, providing access across London and direct Elizabeth line connections to Heathrow Airport and Canary Wharf.  

Alistair Subba Row, Partner, Farebrother said: “London’s Bloomsbury district has seen over £1 billion of inward investment over the last few years including major office developments, high end residential schemes and the regeneration of the famous Sicilian Avenue leading from Holborn to Bloomsbury Square. The local area, often described as one of London’s finest villages surrounding The British Museum, has also been buoyed by the opening of the capital’s east/west Elizabeth line bringing significant increases in footfall and accessibility.”  

ENDS