SavoyStrand Taking Shape

The 1920s building currently being refurbished at 105-109 Strand is to be renamed SavoyStrand to reflect its history and heritage as part of the Duchy’s historic Savoy Estate. The building formally known as Norman House is being totally transformed to provide a new landmark connecting the Strand, one of London’s busiest commercial streets, and the Thames embankment.

In additional to the reconfiguration and refurbishment of the lower floors, additional storeys are being added to both the front and rear of the original building with two large open terraces giving spectacular views over the riverside and cityscape. Work started on site in February 2019 and is on course for completion in late autumn 2020.

Commenting on the progress to date, Duchy Head of Urban Mike Andrews said: “This is a complex project and the largest refurbishment ever undertaken by the Duchy. We are pleased with the progress to date and with the levels of interest the new SavoyStrand is attracting. The retail unit has already been pre-let to Boots The Chemist and discussions are underway with potential tenants for the office accommodation. This early interest proves the demand for first-class office accommodation and retail space in this central commercial location. The scheme will also offer the opportunity for a high quality A3 restaurant unit on the lower levels.”

The rear of SavoyStrand overlooks The Queen’s Chapel of the Savoy, built as part of a charitable foundation on the death of by King Henry VII in the early sixteenth century. The Chapel, which can be accessed via Savoy Steps, has been the official Chapel of the Royal Victorian Order since 1937.  As part of the refurbishment project these links and accessways will also be improved to create a stronger connection between the Strand, the Chapel and the Embankment.

The Duchy of Lancaster’s Savoy Estate includes a number of historic buildings between the Strand and Embankment to the north and south and the Savoy Hotel and Somerset House to the west and east. It forms part of the Duchy’s Urban portfolio which also includes commercial and industrial/ warehouse buildings located in major conurbations across the North West, Midlands and South East of England.