The landmark has been covered in safety netting since 2020 to protect its crumbling façade. Credit: McLaren Construction Group.

Publica Properties Establishment has selected McLaren Construction to transform the former House of Fraser department store in London, UK, into a mixed-use development.  

The £132m ($166.10m) refurbishment and extension project is located at 318 Oxford Street.

This project will see the restoration of the 34,000m² art deco landmark, which has suffered from structural issues attributed to ‘Regent Street disease’. 

The existing windows, with decayed and rusting frames, have also contributed to the building’s decline. Since 2020, its facade has been covered in safety netting. 

The restoration will address the damage to the Portland stone facade, reinstate architectural features, and complete the Chapel Place facade.  

McLaren plans to reuse a portion of the façade and structure to reduce the building’s whole-life embodied carbon.  

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Additionally, the installation of high-performance windows and centralised building services is expected to cut operational carbon emissions. 

The structural design includes the reuse of steel columns, with ten from the demolished fifth floor being relocated to a new eighth floor.  

Publica Properties project development manager Joseph McNeil said: “The project has been a fantastic opportunity to work with McLaren Construction on a truly ‘retro-first’ approach, bringing this building back to life with the minimum whole-life embodied carbon impact.”  

McLaren Construction London and South managing director Darren Gill said: “McLaren’s investment in this expertise is paying off with a raft of high profile cut and carve projects in central London.” 

McLaren Construction’s portfolio includes other developments in the area such as the 58-60 Berners Street development, the former Virgin/Zavvi store’s conversion, and more. 

Last April, Ealing Council appointed McLaren Construction to build 188 new homes in Acton.