Back to the Future of the West End (part II)

Join SAVE and Robert Ayton, former Head of Design and Conservation (Central Area) at Westminster City Council, for the second part of the West End walking tour. This event builds upon the highly sought-after tour led by Robert in 2023. It will again focus on recent buildings which balance development, conservation and good design to ensure that contemporary architecture is in keeping with the historic city.

The walk will start in west Mayfair and end in east Soho. It will explore notable projects overseen by Robert during his tenure at Westminster City Council, including the ongoing transformation of Eero Saarinen's former US Embassy on Grosvenor Square and the conversion of the 1920s Macy’s Garage on Balderton Street, both into luxury hotels. In Soho we will look at a variety of buildings, including the Marshall Street Baths, Brewer Street Car Park, Wardour Street Car Park (also remodelled into a hotel), and the new office building and theatre at Tottenham Court Road Station. See how these reimagined buildings and spaces contribute to the vibrancy of this ever-changing corner of the West End. This tour would interest anyone interested in architecture, conservation, planning, and the history of the West End.

Robert Ayton, a highly respected conservationist, joined Donald Insall Associates in 2021 as Senior Historic Building Advisor. Previously he was Head of Design and Conservation in Westminster City Council's (Central Area) for over 30 years. He managed numerous complex and high-profile proposals in the West End, including Mayfair, Soho and East and West Marylebone, shaping policy, and overseeing significant development.

Meet: outside Davis Street exit of Bond Street Underground Station (Elizabeth Line, 65 Davies St, W1K 5JL) for a prompt start at 11:00am.

Please note that these walks consist solely of exterior visits.