The approved scheme includes major internal alterations that will combine and significantly expand the existing watches and jewelry departments within the Charles William Stephens-designed building. The renovation plans call for the creation of a dramatic double-height space, new retail areas, and modern partitions throughout both sections of the historic structure.
One of the most striking features of the renovation will be the installation of curved escalators, which Make Architects describes as "a striking architectural centerpiece that reflects a commitment to innovation within a heritage setting." These escalators will be the first of their kind outside of the United States and Asia, making them a unique addition to European retail architecture.
The comprehensive renovation also includes the installation of new portals, the refurbishment of existing columns, and the careful reinstatement of heritage-inspired elements throughout the space. Workers will restore the original ceiling design, entrance doors, decorative mosaic flooring, and various external architectural elements to honor the building's Edwardian heritage.
To accommodate the expanded watch and jewelry department, contractors will lower the ground floor slab and relocate back-of-house facilities to a newly created sub-basement area. This strategic reorganization will create additional space for new customer elevators and improve the overall flow of the retail environment.
Make Architects has maintained a long-standing professional relationship with Harrods, having previously completed the refurbishment of the Basil Street Escalator Hall and Grand Entrance Hall, as well as the restoration of the building's historic facade. This ongoing partnership has allowed the architectural firm to develop deep expertise in balancing modern retail needs with heritage preservation requirements.
Katy Ghahremani, director at Make Architects and project lead for the renovation, expressed satisfaction with the collaborative approach taken throughout the approval process. "We are pleased to have worked alongside Harrods, Historic England and conservation officers at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea to celebrate Harrods' Edwardian heritage while enhancing and upgrading the current fine jewelry and watches department for future use," Ghahremani stated.
The architectural team's vision for the Grade II-listed building focuses on creating what Ghahremani describes as "an impressive sense of arrival, emulating the original Edwardian sales rooms." The design will reintroduce new double-height halls and establish a carefully planned sequence of interconnected spaces that can be understood as a series of distinct rooms, while simultaneously providing Harrods with individual brand boutiques that have become essential components of modern luxury retail environments.
This approach reflects the evolving nature of high-end retail, where luxury brands increasingly demand dedicated boutique spaces within larger department stores. The renovation will allow Harrods to meet these contemporary requirements while maintaining the grandeur and architectural integrity that has made it one of London's most recognizable landmarks.
Construction on the ambitious renovation project is scheduled to begin in 2026, with the work expected to transform one of the world's most famous department stores while preserving its historic character. The project represents a significant investment in London's retail landscape and demonstrates the ongoing evolution of luxury shopping experiences in historic settings.
The approval of this project highlights the complex balance required when modernizing heritage buildings for contemporary use, particularly in high-profile locations like Brompton Road. The collaboration between Make Architects, Harrods, Historic England, and local conservation officers illustrates how modern retail innovation can be successfully integrated with historic preservation requirements.
