Virgin Media O2 has signed a commitment to invest in a new state-of-the art office space in central Manchester, agreeing a contract with Island that will see the new and innovative net zero carbon workspace become the company’s central Manchester office location from late next year. With the lease of
Acquisition represents largest office investment deal in the city for half a decade Ashtrom Properties UK has acquired Central Square in the heart of Leeds’ financial district for £78M. The landmark office building transaction represents the largest office investment deal in the city for more than 5 years. Guy Lewinsohn,
INTERNATIONAL insurance intermediary group Howden has unveiled its new office at The Avebury in Milton Keynes, thanks to workplace design and build specialist ODCreate. The near-30,000 sq ft project – which will complete later this year and is ODCreate’s biggest to date in terms of floorspace – has been designed
RED Construction Group, the specialist main contractor, has announced its appointment by Berkeley Estate Asset Management (BEAM) to carry out a comprehensive refurbishment of 8 Lancelot Place in Knightsbridge. Delivering the refurbishment is RED Construction Group’s Special Projects team, which will be undertaking some of the works while office tenants
A landmark office development in Newcastle’s historic Stephenson Quarter has been renamed One Founders Place, as it seeks a pre-let partner for its cutting-edge, £137 million regeneration project. The 100,000 sq. ft office space, spread across 10 storeys, is designed to blend sustainability with the city’s rich industrial heritage, making
Construction firm Legendre UK has been appointed by developer W.RE and joint venture partner Taurus UK to lead the development of a new 46,000 sq ft high-quality office scheme at 14-16 Peterborough Road in London’s Parsons Green following a single-stage tender. Designed by TateHindle architects, the proposed sustainable commercial office
Plans are underway to extend and modernise the iconic Calton Square office building in Edinburgh, expanding its space from 150,000 sqft to 200,000 sqft. This ambitious retrofit project aims to significantly enhance the building’s environmental performance while maintaining respect for its historic location next to Calton Hill, a UNESCO World
The Oxford Trust has submitted plans to Oxford City Council for its new Aspen Building to be built at the Wood Centre for Innovation in Headington, Oxford, to provide additional laboratory and office grow-on space for science and tech start-ups. The Aspen Building at the Wood Centre for Innovation, named
Plans to develop a modern government office development in York have been approved. The application to build a six-storey, 195,000 sq ft government hub, put forward by partners the Government Property Agency (GPA), Homes England and Network Rail, was given the green light by the City of York Council. Earmarked
Developer Delancey has secured planning permission for a landmark commercial building at the King’s Cross Knowledge Quarter in London. The 200,000 sq ft life sciences and technology-focused building will be constructed on a brownfield site on York Way. Delancey aims to start construction next year, with completion expected in 2028.
Virgin Media O2 has signed a commitment to invest in a new state-of-the art office space in central Manchester, agreeing a contract with Island that will see the new and innovative net zero carbon workspace become the company’s central Manchester office location from late next year. With the lease of its Wythenshawe office due to expire in early 2026, Virgin Media O2 undertook a comprehensive review of its property options in the area, drawing up a shortlist of several properties within 10 miles of central Manchester that could act as a base for employees to get together in person, while also supporting Virgin Media O2’s flexible working policies. Island, a net zero carbon workspace being developed by joint venture partners HBD (part of Henry Boot plc) and Greater Manchester Pensions Fund, was the company’s preferred choice, with employees set to benefit from excellent local amenities and in-building facilities. The site has strong transport links, excellent cycle storage and shower facilities, and features a rooftop terrace among its 12,500 sq ft of communal spaces, which include a wide range of food and drink options for employees. Among the teams moving to Island will be Virgin Media O2’s multi-skilled customer service teams who provide bespoke and specialist support on a range of customer issues, including sales and retentions, service issues, bereavement and telecare support. Having first moved to Wythenshawe in 1991, this new agreement with Island further extends Virgin Media O2’s long-term association with, and investment in, the Manchester area. Island is targeting an Excellent BREEAM Sustainable Building Certification, demonstrating the innovative strategies and green technologies it uses to achieve an exceptional level of environmental performance. A net-zero workspace from day one, Island’s sustainable features include centralised air handling units and demand-controlled CO2 sensors to improve indoor air quality, 350m² of solar panels, real-time energy consumption data screens, efficient lifts and LED lighting. This major investment from Virgin Media O2 will provide a modern, future-proof space for its people to meet and collaborate in the North West, consistent with the company’s flexible working policies. Virgin Media O2 will provide clear communication and support for employees currently based at Wythenshawe to ensure a smooth transition next year. Patricia Cobian, Virgin Media O2’s Chief Financial Officer, said: “This significant investment demonstrates our commitment to retaining a sizeable presence in Manchester, with a flagship new office that places us in the heart of the city’s thriving technology hub. “The state-of-the art office will provide a vibrant space for our employees in the North West to get together in person and collaborate, meeting our needs now and helping to attract future talent. Improving our people’s experience was a key focus in the selection process, and Island offers our employees a wide range of amenities and facilities that are not currently available to them. “With enviable environmental credentials and excellent transport links, this move will help reduce our carbon emissions and make it easier than ever for our employees to choose more environmentally-friendly modes of transport.” Ed Hutchinson, Managing Director at HBD, said: “Virgin Media O2’s decision to invest in Island and call this remarkable building its new home in Manchester is testament to the exceptional space we have created here. Island has been carefully designed around the needs of the occupier. Not only is it a highly intelligent and sustainable building, but it’s one which prioritises people’s health and well-being. Virgin Media O2’s values are perfectly aligned with ours and we’re proud to welcome them to Island. “At Island Virgin Media O2 will enjoy a building which has achieved Well Building Gold Rating. Designed to ensure that occupiers can be highly inclusive, Island features design elements and spaces which support neurodiversity, people of different faiths and gender identification as well as spaces for nursing mothers. “There is strong interest in the remaining space that is available at Island, with plenty of options to join Virgin Media O2 across the remaining four floors.” Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “It’s very positive to see Virgin Media O2 bring their new North West HQ to Manchester in a state-of-the-art facility with net-zero carbon workspaces that enhance our carbon neutral plans. This multi-million-pound investment will bring a significant boost to the city-region and highlights Greater Manchester as a place where companies want to invest.” Island will become Virgin Media O2’s third major new office space since the merger in June 2021. The company is currently preparing to move teams into a new state-of-the-art HQ in Paddington by the end of the year, while it was recently confirmed that staff in Lanarkshire will transfer to a new office in Maxim Park in early 2025. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Acquisition represents largest office investment deal in the city for half a decade Ashtrom Properties UK has acquired Central Square in the heart of Leeds’ financial district for £78M. The landmark office building transaction represents the largest office investment deal in the city for more than 5 years. Guy Lewinsohn, CEO of Ashtrom Properties UK, said: “We remain committed to strategically investing in the UK’s regional markets, confident they offer substantial opportunities for sustainable growth and long-term value creation.” CBRE and Knight Frank acted for Ashtrom Properties UK on the purchase. Savills acted on the sale. Central Square comprises 217,249 sq ft of Grade A office accommodation across 11 upper floors above 13,126 sq ft of retail, restaurant and ground floor leisure units. It has one of the largest column free floor plates in the city of circa 25,000 sq ft and houses a Winter Garden and Sky Garden with break out and entertainment space for tenants along with 128 basement parking spaces. It has exceptional sustainability credentials including BREEAM Outstanding and EPC A. Located off Wellington Street and Whitehall Road, Central Square is close to Leeds Station and Trinity Shopping Centre in Leeds City Centre. Current tenants include Marks & Spencer PLC, PWC, RSM UK Management, Freeths, GXO Logistics, Sky, Sanderson Weatherall, BDO Services. Guy Lewinsohn, CEO of Ashtrom Properties UK further said: “The successful acquisition of this prominent building in the heart of Leeds marks a significant step in our ongoing commitment to invest in the future of the UK’s regional city centres, which we believe are poised for strong growth. “I would like to extend sincere appreciation to the vendor for their professionalism and collaboration throughout this process, which ensured a smooth and mutually beneficial transaction. A special thanks goes to our in-house team, whose dedication and expertise were instrumental in driving this acquisition forward. Their commitment, along with the support of our external partners, guided us to a successful outcome.” Will Kennon, Executive Director, CBRE said: “Central Square is one of the best regional office assets located outside of London. Leeds is experiencing significant growth across all metrics, and the office market is facing an acute shortage of prime office space which we believe will lead to continued strong rental growth over the next cycle. With the market facing continued development viability challenges, we consider this acquisition will deliver strong risk adjusted returns over both short and long term. We are delighted to have helped Ashtrom Properties UK secure this exceptional asset, to add to their strong UK office portfolio in line with its current strategy to invest in core regional cities” Henrie Westlake, Head of the North Knight Frank LLP, commented; “The acquisition of Central Square by Ashtrom Properties UK aligns with their strategic decision to selectively invest in the UK Office market. As a long term holder of assets, the strategy is driven primarily by the strong underlying market fundamentals that will drive rental growth for prime assets. Notwithstanding this, there is no question that a normalised market will see significant yield compression that will further validate this approach. This will almost certainly be viewed as the bellwether deal of this cycle.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
INTERNATIONAL insurance intermediary group Howden has unveiled its new office at The Avebury in Milton Keynes, thanks to workplace design and build specialist ODCreate. The near-30,000 sq ft project – which will complete later this year and is ODCreate’s biggest to date in terms of floorspace – has been designed around the business’ hybrid working model, with flexible and agile spaces that cater for both collaborative and individual working. Modelled on Howden’s main headquarters in London, the newly refurbished facility will also feature a large servery and café on-site, with an attractive food offering for staff and visitors alike. Erika Linghorn, who led the project for ODCreate, said: “This project is an excellent example of collaboration between client and designer, bringing together elements of Howden’s London headquarters with the unique qualities of The Avebury and the opportunities that brings. “The key factors in the brief for this project were to create a “destination” office to welcome and inspire in equal measure, as well as being able to adapt to changing working practices such as hybrid and collaborative working. “The Avebury represents the largest project ODCreate has ever undertaken as we look to expand our design and build portfolio – and we believe that the results will speak for themselves.” ODCreate is working alongside Savills as project manager and Fanshawe as cost consultant. The wider ODGroup has worked on the site of The Avebury previously, with ODInteriors undertaking the base build refurbishment of the former Avebury House before ODCreate was appointed to work on the client design and fitout for Howden Insurance. The 28,000 sq ft office space is one of several major projects recently completed by ODCreate, including ones for clients in the financial, legal and food and beverage office sectors. For more information, visit od-group.com Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
RED Construction Group, the specialist main contractor, has announced its appointment by Berkeley Estate Asset Management (BEAM) to carry out a comprehensive refurbishment of 8 Lancelot Place in Knightsbridge. Delivering the refurbishment is RED Construction Group’s Special Projects team, which will be undertaking some of the works while office tenants remain operational. Spanning 35,000 sq ft, the prominent office development is located at the corner of 8 Lancelot Place and 70 Brompton Road in Knightsbridge, opposite Grade II listed department store, Harrods. Set to undergo a substantial transformation, RED Special Projects will strip-out the current facilities to deliver a CAT A fit-out, across basement, reception, and levels two to seven. A new entrance, feature garden, glazing, and canopy – as well as refurbishment works to the level six terrace and roof – are also part of the project. MEP throughout will be enhanced, with the offices being served by high-efficiency all-electric systems at completion in line with BEAM’s sustainability requirements. It will also see RED Special Projects carrying out works on the live office building, with current tenants operational on levels two, three, and seven. RED Construction Group’s appointment on 8 Lancelot Place marks its second partnership with BEAM, with 21-25 Bruton Place due to complete Q4 2024, offering a contemporary open plan office space in the heart of Mayfair, alongside first-rate retail on the ground floor. Nathan Farrar, Construction Director at RED Special Projects, commented: “Our team is well versed in delivering complex schemes, and the works required at 8 Lancelot Place – while many of the office tenants remain working as normal – plays to our strengths. BEAM’s decision to partner with RED Construction Group for a second project is testament to the team’s extensive experience in delivering both high-quality office accommodation, and navigating unique and challenging logistics in the heart of London.” The appointment follows RED Special Projects’ delivery of the new hub facilities for Merlin Entertainments, at LEGOLAND Windsor’s £35m Woodland Village. The project has added an on-site restaurant, industrial kitchen, entertainment space consisting of various play areas, and a stage and bar, to the internationally renowned destination. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A landmark office development in Newcastle’s historic Stephenson Quarter has been renamed One Founders Place, as it seeks a pre-let partner for its cutting-edge, £137 million regeneration project. The 100,000 sq. ft office space, spread across 10 storeys, is designed to blend sustainability with the city’s rich industrial heritage, making it an ideal location for forward-thinking businesses. One Founders Place is the vision of RIBA Stirling Prize-winning architects Allford Hall Monaghan Morris and is set to be a climate-positive building. The project is targeting a BREEAM ‘Excellent’ rating and Building with Nature certification, ensuring it meets the highest standards for sustainability, while honouring its location’s legacy as the birthplace of George and Robert Stephenson’s locomotive factory, established in 1823. This ambitious rebrand comes on the heels of new research from Historic England, which highlights the economic benefits of integrating cultural heritage with modern development. Studies show that areas steeped in history enjoy stronger economic performance, with GDP growth linked to such heritage-led projects. One Founders Place is a prime example of how a development can harmonise the past with the future, combining industrial legacy with eco-conscious design. The building promises to deliver exceptional workspace, with floor-to-ceiling windows allowing natural light to flood the offices, and outdoor terraces offering panoramic views of the city. State-of-the-art, all-electric heating and cooling systems, along with on-site renewable energy solutions and passive solar shading, will support the building’s sustainability goals. Designed to Well Building Standards, the office prioritises both the wellbeing of its occupiers and environmental impact. Developed by igloo Regeneration and Thriving Investments in partnership with Newcastle City Council, One Founders Place is the centrepiece of the wider £137 million Stephenson Quarter regeneration. Joe Broadley of igloo Regeneration commented: “One Founders Place sits on a historic site with deep industrial roots. Our aim was to honour the Stephenson legacy while incorporating the latest in technology and sustainability.” Alex Hay from Newcastle City Council hailed the development as a key driver of the city’s future, contributing to the growth of a green economy that respects Newcastle’s proud heritage. Knight Frank, the agents tasked with securing a pre-let partner, described the development as a unique opportunity for businesses that value sustainability, employee wellbeing, and a distinctive workspace. Located in the lively Stephenson Quarter, One Founders Place boasts excellent transport links via the Tyne and Wear Metro and is surrounded by popular hospitality spots like the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Gin Bar, and The Arches Beer Street Micropub. Its close proximity to Newcastle’s cultural and retail hubs adds to its appeal for businesses seeking a prestigious and accessible location. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Construction firm Legendre UK has been appointed by developer W.RE and joint venture partner Taurus UK to lead the development of a new 46,000 sq ft high-quality office scheme at 14-16 Peterborough Road in London’s Parsons Green following a single-stage tender. Designed by TateHindle architects, the proposed sustainable commercial office development will feature six floors of flexible office and amenity space, spanning from the basement to the fourth floor. The building will include accessible roof terraces on the third and fourth floors, with planting across levels two to four. Fitted out to CAT A specification, the new building will emphasise sustainability with a robust, independent energy strategy, including air source heat pumps, PV panels, and abundant natural light. The site will be delivered in line with W.RE’s commitment to sustainability through design, ensuring that the building is built to last and equipped to meet future demands. These high sustainability criteria are aligned with the growing tenant demand for high-quality office spaces. The project will involve the demolition of the existing office block on site, with the new development retaining the existing party walls and targeting BREEAM Excellent. Situated in the heart of Parsons Green, the building offers Southwest London residents high-quality, well-connected office space, catering to the growing demand for workspaces within walking distance of home and local amenities. The site is in a prime location, with easy access to New King’s Road and Parsons Green, including green spaces, leisure and retail facilities, and transport links to Central London. Legendre UK will act as the main contractor on the scheme and will also be a co-investor with works starting on site in August this year. Completion is scheduled for Q3 2026. Andrew Haines, COO of W.RE, said: “This investment will transform a prominent site in Parsons Green, providing much-needed high-quality office space in a sought-after Southwest London location. Partnering with Legendre UK we will deliver a best-in-class, sustainable building that meets the growing demand for workspace outside of central London’s historic core.” Nick Jacobs, Managing Director of Taurus UK, said: “We are really pleased to be committing our investment to great partners to create a relevant and much-needed development.” Thomas Vandecasteele, Managing Director at Legendre UK, said: “This appointment builds on Legendre UK’s expertise in delivering complex commercial schemes across London, continuing to strengthen our co-investment strategy alongside key and trusted partners, which we started in 2021 on Dockley Road and continued in 2022 on Sheepcote Road. Acting as both contractor and co-investor demonstrates the added value that Legendre UK can bring.” Tanguy Guerer, Head of Pre-Construction at Legendre UK, said: “We are delighted at the opportunity to work with W.RE, following a competitive single stage tender. Our proposed value engineering included in our tender were well received by W.RE, allowing us to maximise cost efficiency on the project whilst still ensuring a high-quality outcome.” Elliott Wood has been appointed as the Structural Engineer, Exigere as the Quantity Surveyor and B&CO as the Project Manager. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans are underway to extend and modernise the iconic Calton Square office building in Edinburgh, expanding its space from 150,000 sqft to 200,000 sqft. This ambitious retrofit project aims to significantly enhance the building’s environmental performance while maintaining respect for its historic location next to Calton Hill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ardstone Capital Ltd (UK), the development manager acting on behalf of Macquarie Asset Management, has appointed the architectural firm Sheppard Robson to lead the redesign. The architects are tasked with creating a structure that seamlessly bridges Edinburgh’s Old and New Towns. Sheppard Robson’s approach prioritises a fabric-first reuse strategy to address several challenges that the existing building poses for modern occupants. The current extensive glazing has led to overheating and operational inefficiencies, and the building’s fragmented internal layout needs reconfiguration to improve the entrance experience, which is complicated by the site’s varied street levels and stepped primary access. A key feature of the redesign is a new dramatic triple-height atrium covered with a structural timber roof, which will repurpose an underused internal courtyard for cultural activities that benefit the local community. The new façade will feature profiled spandrels and vertical fins to maximise self-shading and improve thermal efficiency. The project is targeting prestigious environmental and wellness certifications, including BREEAM Outstanding, NABERS 5*, and WELL Platinum. Mark Kowal, Partner at Sheppard Robson, commented: “Calton Square is a thoughtful blend of old and new. Our design approach has been to integrate the building into its unique location, creating a seamless transition between the city’s Old and New Towns. The goal is to reposition the existing building by creating an exemplary adaptive reuse project that excels in environmental performance and becomes an asset to the community.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The Oxford Trust has submitted plans to Oxford City Council for its new Aspen Building to be built at the Wood Centre for Innovation in Headington, Oxford, to provide additional laboratory and office grow-on space for science and tech start-ups. The Aspen Building at the Wood Centre for Innovation, named after the Trust’s late founder Sir Martin Wood’s favourite tree, has been designed in response to the increased demand for grow-on laboratory space in Oxford, particularly within the globally significant Headington Science Cluster. It will enable the Trust to further its mission and support for scientific research, discovery and education. It will total 12,926 sq ft (1,200 sq m) over two floors to provide flexible CL II laboratory and office space. The building will also include a new STEM resources and preparation room that will allow the Trust to support the increase in demand for its outreach delivery to schools across Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire as well as local communities and further the impact of its Science Oxford education programme. The building will target BREEAM Excellent and include photovoltaic roof panels, a green wall, cycle parking, shower and locker facilities and a minimum 10% biodiversity net gain to enhance its surrounding 15-acres of woodlands, ponds and grassland. Harvesting and storing rainwater will provide grey water for toilets and, separately, additional flow for the ponds. The Aspen Building has been sensitively and sustainably designed and carefully positioned in the site on the existing car park to fit into its surroundings by a leading group of local architects, landscape designers, ecologists, project managers and planning consultants. The design will mirror and complement the existing buildings and will be landscaped to enhance the site. Car parking will remain at the same level and, to continue the encouragement of sustainable travel, additional rapid electric vehicle charging bays will help the adoption of this technology. The Wood Centre for Innovation, which was opened in 2019 and is also the Trust’s HQ, totals 14,961 sq ft (1,390 sq m) of CL II laboratory and workspace across two floors and is home to pioneering science and technology companies, Barclays Eagle Lab incubator and Oxford Hospital Charity which together employ 191 people. Companies include: DJS Antibodies, PicturaBio, Helio Display Materials, RedShiftBio, Jack Fertility, Samsara Therapeutics, Lumai and Spintex. The Wood Centre for Innovation adjoins the Trust’s Science Oxford Centre, which is the first indoor-outdoor hands-on science education centre for primary-aged children in the UK. Since opening the Centre five years ago, Science Oxford has run more than 600 term time school visits and 240 Family Days on Saturdays. Under the Trust’s charitable business model, the funds generated from leasing the laboratory and office space will be reinvested in its innovation and STEM education and engagement programmes. Steve Burgess, chief executive officer, The Oxford Trust said: “All our Wood Centre for Innovation companies are pushing the boundaries of research and development with breakthroughs in biotech and deep tech, driving positive change. “This multi-million pound investment funded by the Trust underlines our commitment to the Headington Science Cluster. The Aspen Building will mean we can continue expanding our support of science and tech start-ups by providing high-quality R&D lab and office space for grow-on companies to further scientific research and discovery, create local jobs, and contribute to Oxfordshire’s impressive wider innovation ecosystem. “The Aspen Building at the Wood Centre for Innovation will also allow the Trust to further expand the impact of its Science Oxford education programme with a new resources and preparation room to support the growing demand for outreach delivery in local schools and communities. We hope to inspire even more young people about the wonders of STEM.” Glen Moses, architect and project director, ADP Architecture added: “Our brief was to design a new carbon-efficient building with flexible laboratory and workspace to both enhance the Wood Centre for Innovation site and sit beautifully within its surroundings. We have worked hard with the consultancy team and carried out public consultation with the Trust to ensure that the Aspen Building is low impact while helping to boost life-enhancing discovery. It has been a pleasure to have the opportunity to build on the success of the Science Oxford Centre and the Wood Centre for Innovation and to assist The Oxford Trust in continuing is mission on its important and sensitive site in Headington.” The project team includes ADP Architecture, Carter Jonas, BSG Ecology, Landshape, Glanville, Gleeds, Sylva Trees and CPW. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Plans to develop a modern government office development in York have been approved. The application to build a six-storey, 195,000 sq ft government hub, put forward by partners the Government Property Agency (GPA), Homes England and Network Rail, was given the green light by the City of York Council. Earmarked for completion in 2027/2028, the hub will be home to up to 2,600 civil servants. Building features include solar panels, air source heat pumps and a green roof, as well as 230 cycle spaces and a planted pedestrian area. The development includes 135,000 sq ft of flexible office space, with ground floor retail and ancillary space. The hub is the first part of York Central – a major initiative to redevelop a substantial area of land close to York city centre and boost the regional economy. Mark Bourgeois, the GPA’s CEO, said: “We are delighted to achieve planning permission to develop this new facility, which will deliver a modern, inspirational and energy-efficient office development for up to 2,600 civil servants. “The new hub will help to accelerate the York Central development, stimulate economic growth and investment in the North of England as well as supporting the transformation of the Civil Service. “It’s another milestone for us at the Government Property Agency to deliver smart, modern, sustainable and digitally connected workplaces that focus on improving productivity and wellbeing.” York Central is one of the largest brownfield sites in the UK, and is located next to the city’s railway station. The scheme is being brought forward by a collaborative partnership between Homes England, Network Rail, the City of York Council and the National Railway Museum. It will be developed by private sector partners McLaren Property and Arlington Real Estate. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Developer Delancey has secured planning permission for a landmark commercial building at the King’s Cross Knowledge Quarter in London. The 200,000 sq ft life sciences and technology-focused building will be constructed on a brownfield site on York Way. Delancey aims to start construction next year, with completion expected in 2028. The project is anticipated to cost around £170m and will employ an average of 300 workers annually during the 31-month demolition and construction programme. Demolition contractor JF Hunt has been advising Delancey on the demolition phase. Structural engineer Arup and architect Kohn Pedersen Fox have developed an innovative structural design to accommodate the building over three Network Rail tunnels and two Piccadilly Line tunnels, situated as close as 4.5 metres below the surface. The structural strategy, created with Arup, utilises a deck-stiffened arch inspired by 20th-century bridges designed by Swiss civil engineer Robert Maillart. This design employs long-span arches to distribute the building’s load over the underground railway lines. The 176-178 York Way building will feature 130,000 sq ft of research and laboratory space, 13,000 sq ft of affordable workspace, and a mixed-use flexible community and events space. The massing of the nine-storey building is stepped back in sequence to reduce the perceived scale at street level. Passive and active strategies have been implemented to reduce the building’s whole life carbon footprint. These include an all-electric MEP strategy, roof-mounted PV panels, and optimised external shading to reduce operational energy. Careful material selection and structural efficiencies have been employed to reduce embodied carbon, with the development targeting NABERS 4.5+ Stars. Nathan Watt, Development Director at Delancey, said: “We are delighted to have secured unanimous planning approval for this progressive, innovatively designed development that offers cutting-edge sustainable facilities. The project will deliver significant public realm improvements and provide much-needed office, science, and technology workspace.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
