Camden Council’s Planning Committee has unanimously resolved to grant consent for Camden Town Xchange, paving the way for the transformation of the existing site into a new destination for the local area.
Designed by architects, AHMM, and located at the heart of Camden Town centre, Camden Town Xchange will deliver a new cultural venue alongside a mix of affordable homes and student studios. The development will replace largely blank frontages with street-level uses, introducing new restaurants, shops, café space and greening to make the area more vibrant, welcoming and safer for all.
At the centre of the proposals is a 1,000 sq m flexible cultural and leisure space, replacing the former Mecca Bingo unit, vacant since 2024, and confirmed closure of the ODEON Camden Parkway cinema in spring 2026.
The scheme will also include 244 new student beds, as well as 49 new affordable homes for Camden residents, making up over 40% of the residential component.
The resolution to grant planning approval followed extensive consultation which generated significant support from local residents, local businesses and other stakeholders who welcomed the affordable housing, the new cultural offer and the transformation of the site into a more active, attractive and welcoming destination. Local people also supported the opportunity to bring new life to Inverness Street Market and stressed the importance of starting the development as soon as possible to replace vacant, outdated buildings.
Chris Shaw of Camden Vision said: “The unanimous approval from Camden Council based off high levels of local support marks an exciting moment for Camden Town Xchange and the future of this iconic site.”
“We’re sincerely grateful to everyone who shared their views through the consultation, which has helped shape a fantastic proposal that reflects Camden’s unique character and priorities.”
“We’re eager to continue this collaboration as we deliver this missing part of the Camden Town jigsaw and will keep the community updated throughout the journey.”
Philip Turner, executive director at AHMM, commented: “The site provides us with a rare opportunity for a pair of significant contemporary buildings to augment the established mix of distinct and characterful architecture in Camden Town centre.”
