CMA Planning
Where: Shoreditch
Who For: Mark Hix
What: 1278 sqm commercial floorspace
Architect: Waugh Thistleton
The Tramshed is an former electrical sub-station, used in conjunction with the tram network. It is also a Grade II listed building and had been empty since 2008. CMA Planning first worked with Sir Terrace Conran in 2008 whereby the building would used as a Conran store, with linked restaurant and offices. However, this failed to come forward due to the economic climate at the time. CMA Planning then worked with the building owner, Lovell Consulting, looking at various temporary uses until a long term occupier could be found. This included numerous events such as fashion shoots, product launches and exhibitions and even a two week theatre run (the National Youth Theatre staged a show called Relish). A proposal then came forward from the chef Mark Hix, to use the building as a restaurant, which would be one of the largest in the area. However, the site is located in the Shoreditch Special Policy Area, where there is a general presumption against new night time economy uses, such as restaurants. CMA Planning worked with Hix to bring forward this use, addressing the various night time economy issues and highlighting the benefit of the scheme in order to demonstrate that an exception should be made. Planning permission and Listed Building Consent was then granted in January 2012, with the project then being Commended in the Hackney 2012 Design Awards. CMA Planning then secured an extension to the original opening hours in May 2013.
