Spy HQ's Co-Working Makeover: Local Concerns

0:00On March 20, the former MI5 headquarters in London's Mayfair is in line for a 100 million pound makeover into an ultra-exclusive co-working space for top executives. This 90,000 square foot hub on eight floors would offer the largest boardroom in the area, executive pods, light-filled meeting rooms, luxury, dining, a basement bar, and a rooftop terrace, all with 24-7 access limited to members and their guests. Students include concierge services and wellness features tailored for C-suite leaders from around the world. Developers describe it as an invitation-only spot for global business, with hospitality as a side offering to support work. Local residents have pushed back hard against the licensing application, worried it could turn into a late-night nightclub despite the buildings, quiet history after 6 p.m. They question the need for extensive bars and restaurants and a supposed office space. To address those fears, the applicants pull back on louder music plans and now limit

1:01tunes to between 8 a.m. and 11 p.m. with no music events. Allowed, alcohol sales would stick to specific floors until 11 p.m. on weekdays, midnight on weekends, and 10 p.m. Sundays, only for members. Outside the basement area, new rules add security staff from 10 p.m., band-standing drinks on the terrace, and block pedicap promotions. The latest hearing before Westminster City Council's licensing committee got pushed again on March 19 after the applicant's lawyer fell. Seriously ill. With these changes in place, locals and developers await the next chance to settle whether this spy era landmark becomes a sleek, business haven, or faces more delays.