Council Gives Go-Ahead for Leicester Square Plans

LONDON-The face of Leicester Square is set to change after the Westminster council granted consent for redevelopment and conversion of two landmark buildings. The Swiss Centre on Leicester Square will be demolished to make way for a new hotel, shops and apartments. Underground levels will house a casino and more restaurants.

Northern Irish developers McAleer & Rushe bought the building for euro 69.80 million ($89.59 million) in 2004. The existing Swiss Centre is a largely empty 1960s building whose 16-story tower blocks a protected view. The new building has been restricted to 10 stories and it means hotel guests on the top floor will have uninterrupted views of the Palace of Westminster on the one side and Parliament Hill on the other.