Plans to transform a former bank on Tottenham Court Road into a museum or flexible workspace have been given the go-ahead by Camden Council's Planning Committee.
The council approved the change of use, citing the scheme's support for economic development and the Camden Town Town Centre through the introduction of a high-quality flexible space for leisure or cultural use. The development is also expected to provide an enhanced employment and training package for Camden residents.
The application, concerning Unit 6A, 6-17 Tottenham Court Road, was approved at a meeting on Thursday, 11 December 2025. The proposal allows for a change of use from a Class E bank to a dual-purpose space, functioning either as an interactive museum (Sui Generis) or as a flexible Class E commercial area.
The approved plans involve no external alterations, preserving the existing facade and structural integrity of the building. The interactive museum, potentially a branch of the Museum of Illusions, would feature a reception and gift shop on the ground floor, with the main exhibits and customer lavatories on the first floor. The second floor would be reserved for staff offices and storage.
The Planning Committee reviewed an Operational Management Plan (OMP) submitted by the Museum of Illusions, which outlines measures to manage visitor flow and mitigate potential disturbances to neighbouring properties. The OMP includes a ticketed booking system with timed entry slots and queuing management practices. To ensure the OMP is adhered to, it will be secured by a Section 106 legal agreement.