Fight to save eight Piccadilly buildings

CAMPAIGNERS are fighting to save eight landmark buildings in a conservation area. The properties, in Piccadilly and Jermyn Street, include the first Lyons tearoom, which opened in 1894.

They are to be knocked down for a £500million development of the area.

Heloise Brown, conservation adviser for the Victorian Society, said upgrading the buildings was better than their "needless destruction".

The buildings affected are 212-214 Piccadilly; 21a, 22 and 23 Jermyn Street; and 3-4 Eagle Place. The Lyons tearoom was part of what is now the Japan Centre at 212-213 Piccadilly. The Victorian Society believes the buildings should be sold.

It comes amid a growing row over the area after discount retailer TK Maxx was refused a unit at Piccadilly Circus by The Crown Estate.

The development, known as St James's Gateway, aims to provide five and six-storey buildings with offices, homes and retail space.

A Grade-II listed building at 27 Regent Street will be refurbished to create nine homes and shops. CB Richard Ellis, acting for the Crown Estate, said: "The Crown Estate is seeking to achieve a sensitive redevelopment."

English Heritage said it could not comment.