The slightly seedy character and low rents of central London’s St Giles area attracted music publishers to Denmark Street during the 20th century. London’s “Tin Pan Alley” became home to the likes of NME and Melody Maker and its musical instrument shops and live music venues gave it a reputation as the centre of London’s pop music scene.

By 2014, however, a blue plaque had been installed, marking the supposed death of the street’s musical associations.

Now St Giles Circus, a massive new development designed by Orms and Ian Chalk Architects for Consolidated Developments and Outernet Global, seeks to salvage the area’s reputation for music-making and live performance. The scheme consists of most of Denmark Street and its 17th-century townhouses, as well as the massive new black and gold Outernet buildings.

…