The building was previously designated ‘residential’ in planning terms but was used by homeless people and prostitutes. The building was damp, filthy, vermin infested and dilapidated - generally in a very poor state. We had to achieve a significant Sui generis (unique) planning consent with the Planning Consultant Adam Pyrke. We received this planning approval contradictory to planning policy. 

 

Under normal conditions the council wouldn’t have entertained the change of use from residential, but the council, Police and local people knew how the building was being used and were very supportive of the Frontline Club. With considerable external support, over 400 letters to the council, we were able to achieve a planning approval.

 

Frontline is a Private Journalists Club and the rooms in this building are used by members often on their return from gruelling trips abroad, from war zones or crisis areas of the world. We wanted the building to feel like a comfortable welcome home in familiar surroundings.

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The next step was to empty the building of years of abuse and waste, followed by a rebuilding/refurbishment programme to form comfortable hotel rooms above the ground floor Monocle Kioskkafe and offices in the basement. We did however try to retain as much of the original elements of the building as we were able – some fireplaces and even an old cast iron manhole repurposed as a wall light.

 

The building is not manned but has a simply managed centralised access control system meaning people can be given prior electronic access regardless of what time they arrive at the building.

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