Can the glory days return for London’s ‘outdated’ Whiteleys?

London’s Whiteleys shopping centre could get a new lease of life after architects Foster + Partners submitted plans to restore the 1911 building to its former grandeur.

The proposal involves creating more than 100 homes as well as new shops, a gym, a hotel and a basement cinema.

As part of the redevelopment, Foster + Partners will also retain the structure’s Grade II-listed facade and central dome, which were part of the original design by architects John Belcher and John James Joass.

‘The proposals represent an opportunity to reinvigorate and re-purpose a landmark heritage building in this part of Westminster, addressing its current deficiencies as an outdated and failing, inward-facing shopping centre,’ according to planning documents.

Much of the structure behind the façade will be demolished if the proposals receive the go-ahead and Foster + Partners will create a central courtyard, opening onto Queensway. A selection of ‘quirky, idiosyncratic retailers’ would make up the ground and first floors, according to the Evening Standard.

Foster + Partners beat Zaha Hadid, Make Architects and Stiff + Trevillion to land the project, which will cost about £1 billion to develop.

A decision on the plans is expected in February 2016.