Site History

The site was formally known as Alhambra House, which previously was a  theatre, connecting Charing Cross Road to Leicester Square. 

Built in 1845 as the Royal Panopticon of Science and Art, the theater changed over the years and eventually became a music hall in 1860. But a fire destroyed the original building. 

In 1883, Alhambra House was built in a different style by Frederick Henry Reed. It had some changes made to it in the following years, giving it a Victorian and Edwardian look. Sadly, in 1936, the house was torn down to make room for offices, ending its time as a theater. 

   The site conveniently neighbours Assembly Hotel. The existing hotel building stands at 10 storeys, while the empty plot (the proposed extension site) to the south side of the hotel building forms the balance.

The proposed extension site is currently covered by a screen that is approximately 5 storeys high. At ground level, the plot can be used as the escape route for the Odeon Cinema, which is to the rear of the site. The proposal would not obstruct this escape route, nor would it pose harm in terms of fire, movement, or accessibility.

The current streetscape would be enhanced by the infill of the plot neighbouring the existing hotel, which currently detracts from the unity of the streetscape itself. Images of the current site can be seen below.