The Whiteley Reawakens: A Grand Opening Marks the Renaissance of Queensway

Source: The Whiteley

Reported By: Matthew Kennedy

March 31st, 2025 — There are openings, and then there are milestones. The grand unveiling of The Whiteley—the former department store reimagined as a mixed-use architectural landmark—firmly belongs to the latter. More than 600 guests gathered beneath the restored atrium of this storied Bayswater address to mark the culmination of an eight-year regeneration that not only redefined a historic icon but reshaped the trajectory of Queensway itself.

Hosted by developers MARK and C C Land, the evening unfolded with cinematic precision. Guests sipped cocktails under the dome where Londoners once shopped for finery in the Edwardian era, while Rag’n’Bone Man took the stage in a powerful live performance. DJ Sally K kept the energy elevated well into the night, as aerialists drifted above the courtyard’s new centerpiece—a striking circular bar positioned below the legendary rotunda.

At once grand and intimate, the event wasn’t just a celebration of architecture, but of ambition.

Originally completed in 1911 by retail pioneer William Whiteley, the namesake department store was once considered London’s first and finest. Now, over a century later, it returns as a beacon of 21st-century luxury, guided by a masterplan from Foster + Partners and crowned by the opening of the UK’s first Six Senses hotel.

The reinvention blends the heritage grandeur of Edwardian architecture—preserved through features like the glass dome and the clock tower—with a refined modernity expressed through 139 meticulously designed residences. From studios to penthouses, each unit integrates generous volumes of natural light, curated detailing, and seamless transitions between old and new. With 70% already sold and residents moving in since late 2024, The Whiteley has proven to be one of London’s most sought-after addresses, achieving an average price of £3,600 per square foot—200% above the local Bayswater average, according to Savills.

Beyond the homes, owners at The Whiteley gain access to 60,000 square feet of private amenities that rival those of five-star resorts. Think a 20-meter indoor swimming pool, a spa, a state-of-the-art gym, padel courts, and children’s play areas—all anchored by the hospitality ethos of Six Senses. A library, concierge-led services, and à la carte offerings ranging from wine stocking to pet care position The Whiteley at the forefront of experiential residential living in the capital.

But The Whiteley’s rebirth is more than an isolated success. As the founding member of the Queensway Steering Group, it leads a coordinated effort to reinvigorate the entire district. With a £3 billion regeneration plan underway, Queensway is on the cusp of transformation: wider pavements, new pavilions for outdoor dining, public art installations, and a new Hyde Park entrance are all set to open within the year. Transport upgrades, including tube station enhancements, complement this vision of a livelier, greener, more connected West London.

The Whiteley’s curated commercial tenants will also play a role in this revitalisation. Alongside the Six Senses hotel, expect an Everyman Cinema, a Third Space gym, and a flagship restaurant by the Pachamama Group. Retail units will begin opening in summer 2025, completing the transition from retail legacy to cultural hub.

With a gross development value exceeding £1.5 billion, The Whiteley now stands as the cornerstone of Queensway’s comeback—a statement of scale, design, and intent. Supported by institutions like Westminster City Council and SEBRA, the project exemplifies how thoughtful regeneration can both honour architectural heritage and serve contemporary life.

As guests departed under the glow of the atrium’s chandeliers—past aerialists, music, and moving images—they left not just a party, but a piece of London history, remade.

For more on The Whiteley and the Queensway transformation, visit thewhiteleylondon.com.