Restaurants and pubs forced to close by Victoria redevelopment

The Victoria Regeneration project will impact 2.5 hectaires of land, comprising of businesses and buildings bound by Victoria Street, Buckingham Palace Road, Bressenden Place and Allington Street.

Although much of this land is currently occupied by offices, some hospitality establishments will also need to close down, such as the Italian restaurant Spaghetti House, a Pizza Express site and an Ask restaurant.

Three phases​

Westminster Council, which has issued compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) to businesses and other landowners in the area, told BigHospitality that the redevelopment will take place in three phases.

The first phase, which will involve the biggest part of the redevelopment, is due to begin in September next year.

However, because the redevelopment also includes London underground works to the east of the site, some occupiers will be displaced before this time.

For example, the Victoria branch of Spaghetti House, located at 3 Bressenden Place will close its doors on 31 March 2011.

Impacted venues​

Other restaurants, pubs, cafes and hotels that will be impacted in some way by the redevelopment include: American Steakhouse, Punch Pub sites, Bella Italia Restaurants, Scotch Steak Houses, Genevieve Brasserie, Massimos Italian Restaurant, L’Arco Italian Restaurant, Kings Arms, Café Moca, The Stag and

Thistle Westminster Hotel.

A map of the affected area as well as a full list of the establishments to be impacted can be found here.​

Economic regeneration​

Westminster Council says the redevelopment will regenerate the Victoria area. It aims to maximise the development potential of the land and provide a mix of uses on the site, including increased housing, office space and a mix of retail and food and drink establishments.

Together with an upgrade to the transport links in the area and a high-quality design, these changes will help strengthen London’s economy and promote economic growth and diversity, says the Council.