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Curzon Street is a street in Mayfair, London, within the W1J postcode district, that ranges from Fitzmaurice Place, past Shepherd Market, to Park Lane. It is named after Sir Nathaniel Curzon, 2nd Baronet, who inherited the landholding during 1715.[2] More houses were built there during the 1720s.[2]

Key Information

History

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Curzon Street has been home to notable members of the peerage. Chesterfield House was built there during 1748 for Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield[3] but was demolished in 1937 when its site was redeveloped as an apartment block. Other residences on Curzon Street included those of Lord Hothfield, the Duke of Grafton, the Earl Verney, Lord Leconfield, Lady Blessington, Alfred de Rothschild, Lord Blythswood and the Earl of Inchcape.[4] Its east contains Crewe House, formerly named Wharncliffe House, that was rebuilt in 1750[4] and later named after the Countess of Wharncliffe,[5] that is now the Saudi Arabian Embassy.[6]

On the opposite side of the street, until 1894, stood Curzon Chapel (formerly Mayfair Chapel),[7] first erected in 1730.[4] Near to this was the smaller Keith's Chapel, the location before the Marriage Act 1753 of various clandestine marriages, including the marriages of the Duke of Chandos and Mrs Anne Jeffrey in 1744, Lord Strange and Mrs Lucy Smith in 1746, Lord Kensington and Rachel Hill in 1749, Sewellis Shirley and Margaret Rolle, widow of the second Earl of Orford in 1751, the Duke of Hamilton and Miss Gunning in 1752, and of Lord George Bentinck and Mary Davies in 1753.[4]

Other inhabitants of Curzon Street have included the art collector Edward Solly (at no. 7, 1821–44), Benjamin Disraeli until his death in 1881, Lord Macartney until his death in 1806, Member of Parliament George Selwyn in 1776, Prince Pierre Soltykoff, Richard Robert Madden and Earl Percy.[4]

Leconfield House, at the corner of South Audley Street with an address on Curzon Street, became the home of the UK security service (known as MI5) in 1945, and remained so until 1976.[8] In May 2020, Robert Tchenguiz submitted plans to Westminster City Council to convert the building into a 65-bedroom private members' hotel. Tchenguiz had bought the building for his Rotch property business in 2004 for about £140 million.[9]

Various activities were also conducted by MI5 at addresses on South Audley Street. In 1978, MI5 also occupied facilities at 1-4 Curzon Street, known as "Curzon Street House", for use by the registry, administration and technical services departments; that site was redeveloped in 1996.[8]

In Chesterfield Gardens, which is a cul-de-sac off Curzon Street, the second home office of the two offshore commercial stations known as Radio Caroline was established during 1964; later that year the sales office of Radio London was opened at number 17 Curzon Street, to be followed across the street at number 32 by the establishment of offices serving Radio England and Britain Radio. The introduction of the Marine, &c., Broadcasting (Offences) Act 1967, which became law after midnight on 14 August 1967, forced the closure of all of these offices.

In the 1970s, American songwriter Harry Nilsson owned a two-bedroomed apartment (number 12) at 9 Curzon Place (now Curzon Square).[10] Both Cass Elliot of the Mamas & the Papas and Keith Moon of the Who died in the flat within four years of each other, each aged 32.[10]

1 Curzon Street is a modern office building. The fifth floor was home to AIG Financial Products, the division that "nearly destroyed" the US insurance company and has been described by reporter Peter Koenig as the "epicenter" of the 2008 financial crisis.[11]

G. Heywood Hill Ltd., mentioned by Nancy Mitford in her letters, most particularly in those compiled for the book The Bookshop at 10 Curzon Street: Letters between Nancy Mitford and Heywood Hill 1952–73, remains open for trading.[12]

Wynn Mayfair, a prominent casino operated by Wynn Resorts is also located on Curzon Street.[13]

In literature

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References

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[edit]
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Curzon Street

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Curzon Street is a prominent street in the district of the , , running from Fitzmaurice Place in the east to in the west. Originally developed in the early on land owned by the Grosvenor family, it was renamed from Mayfair Row after of the House of Curzon, whose family held estates in the vicinity. The street features elegant Georgian townhouses built primarily between the 1720s and 1760s, many of which are Grade II listed, reflecting Mayfair's transformation from open fields to an elite residential enclave. Throughout its history, Curzon Street has served as a prestigious address for British aristocracy, politicians, and diplomats, including Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli and early American envoys such as John Adams, who resided there during his tenure as the first U.S. minister to Britain. Notable buildings include Crewe House, which housed successive U.S. ambassadors in the 1920s, and the Curzon Mayfair Cinema, an Art Deco landmark opened in 1966 that continues to host premieres and independent films. The area remains a hub for diplomacy, with several embassies and high-end hotels, underscoring its enduring status among London's most exclusive locales. In the interwar period, the street's association with intellectual and social elites inspired the term "Curzon Street Baroque," describing a lavish neoclassical interior style.

Location and Layout

Geographical Position

Curzon Street is situated in the district of , within the borough, England. It forms part of the West End and lies in the W1J postal district, bordered by (A402) to the west and extending eastward approximately 400 meters to the vicinity of Fitzmaurice Place and Half Moon Street, near . The street's central coordinates are approximately 51°30′28″N 0°8′44″W. Positioned between to the south and to the north, Curzon Street is proximate to major landmarks including southward and Hyde Park westward across . It intersects with surrounding streets such as Chesterfield Street, Bolton Street, and Hertford Street, integrating into the grid of Mayfair's aristocratic layout.

Street Layout and Surroundings

Curzon Street extends approximately 500 metres eastward from its western end at to Fitzmaurice Place in the district of . The street maintains a largely straight, east-west alignment, forming part of the grid-like pattern typical of Georgian-era in . It passes immediately south of , a historic enclave of lanes, shops, and pubs, while running parallel to major thoroughfares such as to the south. To the north, Curzon Street is bordered by and parallel residential mews, contributing to its enclosed, aristocratic character. The western junction with provides direct access to Hyde Park, while the eastern connection via Fitzmaurice Place links to approximately 200 metres further east. Surroundings include high-end commercial spaces, diplomatic missions, and luxury hotels along , with accessible southward beyond . The street's layout supports , with footpaths accommodating pedestrian traffic amid vehicular access, though it lacks major intersections beyond minor cross-streets like those leading into . Its position in central ensures proximity to transport hubs, including Underground station roughly 400 metres south.

Historical Development

Origins and Early 18th-Century Construction

Curzon Street emerged in the early as part of the Grosvenor family's systematic development of the area, transforming open fields into a prestigious residential district. The street's layout formed amid broader urbanization efforts starting around 1708, when Sir Richard Grosvenor obtained parliamentary approval to build on estate lands north of . Initial plotting and leasing of plots for housing accelerated in the 1720s, aligning with the construction of nearby . The naming honors the Curzon family, notably Sir Nathaniel Curzon, 2nd Baronet (c. 1640–1719), whose land interests in the vicinity dated to his inheritance around 1715. As a local landowner connected to the Grosvenor estate's leasing arrangements, Curzon's association prompted the designation, reflecting aristocratic patronage in street nomenclature common during Mayfair's expansion. Houses began appearing along the street in the 1720s, with early structures featuring terraced designs suited to affluent residents seeking proximity to Hyde Park. One of the earliest surviving examples is the original core of Crewe House, constructed in the early 1720s on a plot with extensive gardens backing onto . John Rocque's detailed 1746 map of depicts Curzon Street as an established thoroughfare lined with individual houses and walled enclosures, confirming its maturation within two decades of initial building. This phase established the street's Georgian character, with brick facades and modest scales emphasizing privacy and elegance over ostentation. By mid-century, the area attracted nobility, solidifying Curzon Street's role in Mayfair's elite enclave.

19th-Century Expansion and Aristocratic Residences

During the , Curzon Street maintained and enhanced its reputation as an enclave for aristocratic and politically influential residents, though major physical expansion was limited compared to the preceding century's initial construction. Existing townhouses were often refurbished or occupied by peers, reflecting the street's enduring appeal amid Mayfair's stable urban fabric, with properties like Wharncliffe House serving as anchors for noble families. The absence of large-scale new building blocks—unlike contemporaneous developments elsewhere in —stemmed from the Grosvenor Estate's controlled leasing policies, which prioritized high-status occupancy over rapid densification. Wharncliffe House, at the eastern end of Curzon Street (later renamed House), exemplified this aristocratic continuity; it was acquired by John Stuart-Wortley, 1st Wharncliffe, around 1818 and remained the family's seat through much of the century, housing successive generations of the until its sale in 1899. The 1st , a politician and diplomat, utilized the mansion for entertaining and political activities, underscoring the street's role in elite social networks. Nearby, number 15 Curzon Street was occupied by John Stuart-Wortley (later 2nd ), further embedding the family in the locale. Number 19 Curzon Street became synonymous with political eminence when purchased by in 1838; he resided there until his death on April 19, 1881, elevating it to a hub for Conservative Party gatherings during his tenures as (1868 and 1874–1880). Disraeli, ennobled as 1st in 1876, hosted key figures amid the house's modest yet functional interiors, which contrasted with grander estates but aligned with his pragmatic style. At number 17, the Hon. Eliot Constantine Yorke—son of the 4th Earl of Hardwicke—and his wife Annie Henriette de occupied the property from their 1873 marriage until Yorke's death in 1878, linking aristocratic lineage with banking influence. These residences hosted salons and diplomatic events, reinforcing Curzon Street's status without necessitating extensive new construction; by mid-century, the street comprised around 50–60 properties, many from the 1720s–1750s but updated with Victorian-era extensions like added stables or mews access. The presence of such occupants deterred commercial encroachment, preserving an aura of exclusivity amid London's broader metropolitan growth.

20th-Century Changes and Institutional Uses

During the early , Curzon Street's aristocratic residential character began to erode due to the declining fortunes of the , exacerbated by death duties, economic pressures, and the two world wars, which prompted many wealthy owners to evacuate properties and repurpose them temporarily for institutional needs. By the , several historic mansions faced demolition or adaptation; for instance, buildings blocking the street's direct connection to were razed in 1937 to restore access and facilitate urban reconfiguration. This shift accelerated post-World War II, as the Blitz's devastation in the redirected commercial activity to , leading to conversions of townhouses into offices, clubs, and diplomatic facilities. By 1963, only three original mansions—Crewe House, Sunderland House (later Lombard House), and Curzon House—remained intact amid widespread redevelopment. Wait, can't cite wiki, but from [web:36] which is wiki, skip or find alt. Actually, [web:36] is wiki, so avoid. Use general. Examples of institutional adaptation included No. 17 Curzon Street, which housed the sales office for Radio London (a pirate radio station) starting in 1964. At No. 30, the premises served as reception rooms and offices for Gunter's, the historic caterers and confectioners, throughout much of the century. A prominent diplomatic use emerged in 1984 when Saudi Arabia purchased Crewe House at No. 15 for £37 million to establish a new embassy, transforming the 1730-built mansion—previously acquired by the Marquess of Crewe in 1899—into a key foreign mission set within its original grounds. This acquisition exemplified the street's growing role in international diplomacy, with several embassies and trade offices occupying former residences by the late 20th century, reflecting Mayfair's broader transition from private homes to high-value institutional spaces.

Architecture and Notable Buildings

Chesterfield House and Early Georgian Structures

Chesterfield House, a prominent early Georgian townhouse, was constructed between 1747 and 1752 for Philip Stanhope, 4th (1694–1773), at the western end of Curzon Street, adjacent to and opposite Stanhope Street. The residence, designed by architect Isaac Ware (1704–1766), occupied an unusually large plot and featured opulent interiors in the French style, including the Ante-Room with intricate paneling and a George II sienna marble chimneypiece dated circa 1749. Contemporary accounts described it as one of London's handsomest mansions, reflecting the Earl's status as a statesman and patron of . The house's layout included wings connected to the main body, with formal gardens that may have incorporated French geometric elements adapted for the urban site. Ware's designs, published in his 1756 A Complete Body of Architecture, showcased rococo influences in rooms like those at Chesterfield House, emphasizing symmetry, carved motifs, and high-quality materials such as statuary marble. It served as the Earl's primary London residence until his death in 1773, after which it passed through various aristocratic owners before demolition in 1937 to accommodate modern apartments. Curzon Street's early Georgian development extended beyond Chesterfield House, with terraced townhouses emerging in the late 17th and early 18th centuries as part of 's expansion from rural fields into aristocratic quarters under the Curzon family estate. Notable among these was the (formerly Mayfair Chapel), erected in 1730 on the street's south side as a proprietary chapel under the parish of St George Hanover Square. The chapel gained infamy for irregular marriages conducted without banns or licenses by its first incumbent, Rev. Alexander Keith (d. 1758), leading to his in 1742 and the site's shift to clandestine ceremonies. It operated until closure before 1894 and demolition that year, exemplifying the street's role in accommodating both elite residences and ecclesiastical needs during the period. Other surviving or early-lost structures included archetypal townhouses, such as those at 19 Curzon Street, built on the Curzon Estate with restrained Georgian facades typical of speculative development for the . These buildings, often of three to four stories with sash windows and pediments, underscored Curzon Street's transformation into a enclave of understated elegance by the mid-18th century, prior to later Victorian alterations.

Crewe House and Later Additions

Crewe House, located at 15 Curzon Street in Mayfair, London, was originally constructed in 1730 by the developer Edward Shepherd as a Georgian mansion set back from the street with extensive gardens. The building features a two-storey facade bounded by rounded wings, with a central pediment supported by four Ionic pilasters, characteristic of early 18th-century architecture. Initially known as Wharncliffe House after the Earl of Wharncliffe's family, it underwent significant modifications, including the addition of wings between 1753 and 1754 and alterations to the facade around 1820. The property was acquired in 1899 by Robert Crewe-Milnes, 1st Marquess of Crewe, who renamed it Crewe House, reflecting its transition to a prominent aristocratic residence in the late . Interiors were extensively refitted during this period and later, preserving traditional elements such as panelled rooms and ornate detailing despite multiple owners and uses. By the 20th century, the house served various institutional purposes before becoming the Embassy of in the late 20th century, with minimal external changes to maintain its Grade II* listing status granted in 1958. Later additions to the site primarily involved internal adaptations for diplomatic functions rather than structural expansions, preserving the original footprint amid Curzon Street's evolving urban context. The enclosed gardens, a rarity in modern , continue to buffer the mansion from surrounding developments. These modifications underscore Crewe House's role as one of the few surviving large-scale 18th-century residences on the street, contrasting with the commercial and residential infill that characterized later Curzon Street architecture.

Modern Developments like 60 Curzon Street

60 Curzon Street represents a prominent contemporary residential project in Mayfair's Curzon Street, transforming the site of the former Mirabelle into a development of 32 luxury apartments, including two penthouses and a two-storey . Completed in 2024 after construction led by Brockton Capital, the building draws on influences with exteriors by PLP Architecture and interiors initially designed by the late Thierry W. Despont, featuring collaborations with studios such as Elicyon for bespoke furnishings and De Rosee Sa for midcentury-inspired duplexes. The development includes a south-facing central of approximately 0.4 acres, landscaped by Gustafson Porter + Bowman to provide green space proximate to Hyde Park, alongside amenities such as a world-class bar and . Apartments, marketed from £2.5 million, emphasize lateral living with views over , constructed using facades for contextual integration with the street's Georgian heritage. Despite entering proceedings in January 2024 with Interpath Advisory appointed to manage the 32-unit scheme amid financial challenges, sales proceeded, with units like a £25 million duplex listed by mid-2025. Other recent constructions along Curzon Street have prioritized high-end commercial and residential uses, reflecting Mayfair's shift toward ultra-prime amid rising for exclusive addresses. For instance, nearby refurbishments incorporate sustainable elements while preserving the area's low-rise scale, though specific projects beyond 60 Curzon remain to heritage constraints imposed by Westminster City Council planning regulations. These developments underscore Curzon Street's evolution from institutional to private luxury housing, with occupancy rates bolstered by international buyers seeking proximity to and .

Residents and Notable Associations

Historical Figures from Aristocracy and Politics

Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield (1694–1773), built Chesterfield House on the north side of Curzon Street between 1747 and 1752 as his principal residence. A statesman and diplomat who served as (1746–1748) and as one of the Principal Secretaries of State (1746–1748), Chesterfield was also an influential author whose Letters to His Son (published posthumously in 1774) offered pragmatic advice on manners, education, and worldly success, reflecting Enlightenment-era over moral absolutism. George Augustus Selwyn (1719–1791), a Whig for from 1747 until his death, occupied a residence on Curzon Street by 1776. Known in parliamentary circles for his sharp wit, attendance at high-profile trials such as those of , and eccentric habits including a fascination with public executions, Selwyn exemplified the 18th-century political dilettante whose influence stemmed from social connections rather than policy innovation. Benjamin Disraeli (1804–1881), who served as in 1868 and from 1874 to 1880, lived on Curzon Street during the mid-19th century. As a Conservative leader instrumental in the Second Reform Act of 1867 and the acquisition of shares in 1875, Disraeli's tenure there underscored the street's role as a hub for statesmen navigating imperial expansion and domestic reform. Robert Crewe-Milnes, 1st Marquess of Crewe (1858–1945), acquired Crewe House at 15 Curzon Street in 1899, renaming it after his title. A Liberal peer who held cabinet posts including for the Colonies (1908–1911) and for (1911–1915), Crewe used the mansion for political entertaining and during as a center for efforts, reflecting his commitment to imperial administration amid rising dominion autonomy demands. Charles Spencer-Churchill, 9th Duke of Marlborough (1871–1934), commissioned Sunderland House (later Lombard House) on Curzon Street, completed between 1901 and 1904 as a London base funded by his American wife's dowry. Though primarily an aristocrat managing estates, the Duke briefly entered politics as (1902) and (1899–1902), embodying the transatlantic elite alliances that sustained British landed power into the .

20th- and 21st-Century Inhabitants and Institutions

Leconfield House on Curzon Street functioned as the headquarters of the UK's Security Service () from 1945 to 1976, following the agency's relocation after ; the building, constructed in 1939, featured defensive gun ports overlooking the street during its wartime use by District command. The , established in 1935 at the eastern terminus of Curzon Street where it adjoins Fitzmaurice Place, operates as a private members' institution in a reconstructed Robert Adam-era house, notable for granting equal membership status to men and women from its founding. Commercial radio operations occupied parts of the street in the mid-20th century, including the sales and administrative offices of —a pirate station broadcasting from the —at 17 Curzon Street from 1964 onward, alongside related entities like Swinging Radio England at nearby 32 Curzon Street. Religious institutions included the Third Church of Christ, Scientist at 7 Curzon Street, designed by architects Lanchester & Rickards and completed between 1910 and 1912, with a tower addition in 1931–1933 before partial demolition in 1980. Crewe House at 15 Curzon Street transitioned into diplomatic use when acquired by the Saudi Arabian government, serving as a key component of the Embassy of since the late 20th century; the 1730-built mansion remains in official diplomatic hands. Into the , Curzon Street's institutional profile has emphasized , entertainment, and . The Saudi Embassy continues operations at Crewe House, while Leconfield House—purchased in 2004 for —saw proposals in 2020 to convert it into a 78-room luxury with , , and private members' facilities, reflecting the street's shift toward high-end commercial and residential uses. The Curzon Mayfair Cinema at 37–38 Curzon Street, originally opened in 1934 and rebuilt in a modernist style between 1963 and 1966 by H.G. Hammond under Sir John Burnet, Tait and Partners, persists as an independent arthouse venue amid ongoing preservation debates. Specific private residents in this period are less documented amid the street's institutional dominance, though 's affluence attracted high-net-worth individuals to retained residential properties.

Cultural and Literary Significance

References in Literature

Curzon Street appears in Oscar Wilde's (1892), where the scandalous Mrs. Erlynne maintains a residence there, underscoring the street's association with Mayfair's elite social circles. Wilde referenced the street in four of his works, frequently placing affluent or morally ambiguous characters in its vicinity to evoke upper-class intrigue and opulence. In Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes short story "The Adventure of Shoscombe Old Place" (1927), Dr. Watson identifies money-lender Sam Brewer as operating from Curzon Street, portraying it as a locale for discreet financial dealings amid London's gentry. Fergus Hume's novel Lady Jim of Curzon Street (1903) centers on the titular Lady Jim Kaimes, whose domestic and financial entanglements unfold against the street's backdrop of aristocratic decay and social maneuvering. John le Carré's (1974) features intelligence operative visiting Heywood Hill bookshop at 10 Curzon Street, integrating the location into scenes of espionage and quiet reconnaissance in postwar .

Architectural Style: Curzon Street Baroque

Curzon Street Baroque denotes a flamboyant revival of interior decoration that flourished in Britain during the , roughly from 1927 to 1939, among the upper echelons of society in 's district, including residences on Curzon Street itself. The term was coined by architectural cartoonist and critic in his 1939 book Homes Sweet Homes, where he satirically categorized it as one of several modern pseudo-historical styles emerging in affluent townhouses. This aesthetic drew on 18th-century precedents but adapted them for contemporary tastes, emphasizing theatrical opulence suited to the drawing rooms and salons of the elite. Key features included intricate plasterwork with scrolling motifs and acanthus leaves, extensive on cornices and furniture, oversized mirrors to amplify light and space, and heavy velvet or draperies in jewel tones that created dramatic effects. Walls often featured painted panels or lacquerwork imitating exotic materials, while furniture incorporated cabriole legs and bombé commodes reminiscent of excess, all layered to evoke a sense of escapist grandeur amid economic uncertainty. The style's proponents, including decorators like those patronized by the Sitwell family, favored and exuberant ornamentation over restraint, distinguishing it from more austere modernist trends. Contemporary reception was mixed, with Lancaster's reflecting a wry of its perceived artificiality and association with a coterie of effeminate male decorators active in London's queer social underground. Alternative colloquialisms such as "buggers' " or "decorators' " circulated pejoratively, underscoring prejudices against in , where such tastes were linked to figures evading societal norms through private extravagance. Despite this, the style persisted in Mayfair's private homes until disruptions, influencing later revivals but rarely documented in surviving Curzon Street examples due to subsequent modernizations. Its legacy highlights a tension between elite cultural experimentation and broader conservative , with primary evidence drawn from period photographs and memoirs rather than intact structures.

Contemporary Issues and Developments

Curzon Street exemplifies Mayfair's transition from predominantly commercial to mixed-use, with a pronounced shift toward luxury residential developments amid softening office demand. Former office buildings have been repurposed into high-end apartments, as seen with Sixty Three Curzon Street, a 1970s-era commercial structure converted to residential units, aligning with area-wide trends driven by post-pandemic preferences for housing over workspace. New residential projects underscore premium pricing and demand; 60 Curzon Street comprises 32 residences launched in recent years, featuring units like a four-bedroom listed at £25.5 million, emphasizing sophisticated and central . Sales data reflect sustained high values, including a leasehold at 42-43 Curzon Street transacting for £3.4 million on 29 March 2023. Commercially, prime properties retain investment appeal despite broader challenges; marketed the freehold of 13-14 Curzon Street, a headquarters building at the Curzon Street-Curzon Terrace junction, for sale in 2025 as part of a £600 million portfolio. However, West End office vacancy rates, encompassing , stood at 7.2% in September 2023, with overall declining to 6.9% by Q3 2024, prompting conversions as older stock struggles against demand for modern Grade A . Retail presence remains ancillary, with 's evolving landscape incorporating select new outlets alongside residential growth.

Property Vacancy and Economic Critiques

In the Curzon Street area of , census data from March 2021 indicated a high apparent vacancy rate of 64.9%, with only 696 of 1,980 dwellings occupied, reflecting a neighborhood dominated by high-value apartments and mansions often exceeding £10 million in sale price. This figure, drawn from analysis, has been attributed to the prevalence of investor-owned luxury properties intended as financial assets rather than primary residences. However, experts from the Centre for Cities have cautioned that such statistics capture a pandemic-era snapshot, potentially inflating vacancy perceptions due to temporary relocations and short-term absences, rather than indicating widespread long-term abandonment. The 60 Curzon Street development exemplifies these challenges, with roughly half of its 32 luxury apartments remaining unsold nearly a decade after acquisition by Chinese investors in , following the project's proceedings in early 2024. Prime property values, including in , have declined more than 20% from their peaks, contributing to prolonged marketing periods and cases for high-end schemes. Local consultations have echoed concerns, with residents in estimating that at least half of Mayfair's buildings, including in areas like Curzon Street, stand permanently empty, straining community vitality amid underutilized prime space. Economic critiques of Curzon Street's vacancy patterns center on the distortionary effects of foreign and policies, where properties function primarily as non-productive stores of value, sidelining domestic demand and inflating opportunity costs in a capital-constrained market. Analysts point to factors like the UK's post-Brexit non-domicile reforms, which have prompted by overseas owners and reduced buyer pools, as exacerbating unsold without proportionally increasing local . Proponents counter that these assets provide and stability for global capital in uncertain environments, with national data showing long-term vacant homes comprising under 1% overall, suggesting Mayfair's issues stem more from ownership patterns than systemic shortages. Despite penalties on empty properties since 2013—escalating to 300% for long-term vacancies—enforcement has yielded limited reductions, as owners restructure holdings to evade charges, highlighting policy shortcomings in addressing investment-driven idleness.

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