Lazari Properties 3 has submitted a planning application to refurbish Greater London House, in Hampstead Road, Camden.
The building, first constructed in 1928, is not listed but does sit in Camden’s conservation area opposite Mornington Crescent.
The design and access statement, from architects de Metz Forbes Knight Vision, says plans include two new roof terraces on the fifth and sixth floors, and upgrades to the existing entrance ramps and stairs “to improve the grandeur”.
A tiered seating arrangement “packed with plant life” would be created at the front to provide an outside area for the building’s users.
The reception area would be expanded, the lower ground floor spaces reconfigured and the existing lift upgraded to take people up to the new roof terraces.
The existing fire escape stairs from sixth floor level would be removed to make space for a central pavilion.
At the same time the lifts are being upgraded to “fire fighting lifts” to improve fire safety standards.
The building was originally constructed between 1926 and 1928 in the former Mornington Crescent Gardens as a cigarette factory.
Its extravagant exterior is said to have been inspired by the Egyptian goddess Bubastis.
When the factory relocated to Basildon in 1958, the building was sold and renamed Greater London House. It was converted into offices in 1988.
The design statement notes: “Many important architectural features were reinstated, including the flamboyant Egyptian giant order and two gigantic bronze cats flanking the entrance.
“The building now functions primarily as office space but lacks external amenity for its occupants and feels disconnected from the street.
“The proposals aim to create new external and internal amenity spaces at fifth and sixth floor roof level, capitalising on the building’s position and views of central London.
“These proposals align with plans to reconfigure and fit-out several internal areas which, for the avoidance of doubt, do not require planning permission.”
People can comment on the plans until April 20 on Camden’s planning portal using the reference 2025/0912/P.
