Archway Tower Up For Refurb

Dominating the Great North Road and its entry into London under Suicide Bridge is Archway Tower, a brown office building nearing the end of its life.

The unloved structure could soon be set for a complete overhaul if plans by Essential Living to refurbish the tower are realised. It stands 59 metres tall with 16 storeys and completed in 1963, on a commanding hillside spot that offers some of the best views in London with a Northern Line tube station at its base. Further adding to the appeal is the location which is only a short walk from the likes of Hampstead, and popular venues for the wealthy such as Highgate Golf Club and Highgate School.

Building on the attractive location the developer intends to convert the tower into a residential building that will offer 118 new apartments. All of these will be owned by the developer and rented out to provide a stable income over time. It's an unusual approach for London these days where most buildings are redeveloped to allow the sale of units off-plan.

This is however a business model that Essential Living intends to roll out elsewhere across London with other such mooted developments including 360 London in Elephant and Castle and Helix near Canary Wharf.

Residents will be able to enjoy a number of facilities that will be incorporated within the tower for their own use including a club-room, winter gardens and a roof terrace.

The exterior of the building will get a complete overhaul that will reflect its new residential status. Apartments will enjoy floor to ceiling glazing, whilst the tower will take on a whiter look than the brown appearance GMW bequeathed it with.

Work is expected to start in 2014, with the building ready for occupation in 2016.