Soho

Soho is in the City of Westminster. The most colourful London village, Soho has always been synonymous with late night bars, entertainment and boutique venues. The majority of Soho (140 acres) is owned and run by one family, Soho Estates. Since this part of the family inherited the estate, around the year 2002, they have worked tirelessly to upgrade and improve the area whilst retaining, and appealing to, the one off boutiques and the night life for which Soho has become such a favourite London village.

Soho has only five freehold houses, but this doesn’t mean that the area is devoid of residential. There are many apartments located over retail units along numerous streets. The make up of the Soho resident is quite eclectic. A number of creatives own homes in Soho, allowing an easy commute from home to office. For many, Soho is a pied-a-terre address, for when late nights prohibit a train ride home.

Soho is formed predominantly of office, retail and restaurant space. This coupled with the residential offering, naturally encourages a community village feel. There are a few hotels in Soho, most notably Ham Yard Hotel and the revamped Kettners. Both of these are very popular and have created their own following. There are more proposed in the pipe line. 

The latest large development within Soho is the Old Foyles Bookshop (Ilona Rose House) on the north eastern boundary. This will be a mixed use scheme, with no residential, comprising new shops and restaurants, new offices, roof gardens as well as a new garden square and walk way.

Beyond the boundaries of the area owned by Soho Estate is the newly converted Centre Point. A residential conversion of an iconic 1960’s office building. This redevelopment was undertaken by the developer Almacanter. The conversion provides 82 apartments arranged over 30 plus floors. This is not a traditional residential location and as a result is a brave step for any developer. Nevertheless, it is unlikely Westminster council will allow another tower building in this location so it most likely will be the only one.