Railpen, manager of the £34bn railways pension schemes in the UK, has announced plans to redevelop 101 Bayham, its 22,000 sq ft office building in central Camden, London NW1, redefining the future of workspaces. Set for completion in Autumn 2025, the 1930s Art Moderne former factory is being reimagined by
Green Light for NXQ: Soller’s 18-Storey Office Development Gets the Go-Ahead Manchester City Council has granted approval for NXQ, an 18-storey, 120,000 sq ft office development by Soller Group, set to transform the corner of Lever Street and Great Ancoats Street. The project, designed by Howells, aims to deliver high-quality,
LEADING fit out and refurbishment main contractor Pexhurst has announced its target to achieve net zero across Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2030. The announcement follows a period of extensive research, data analysis and planning, with the target awaiting validation from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) – an
The development of new Crick supported lab space at 20 Triton Street on British Land’s Regent’s Place campus represents a bold step in transforming London’s Knowledge Quarter into a global leader in life sciences. Gensler partners with British Land and the Francis Crick Institute, a flagship for discovery research in
OP has successfully partnered with global technology leader Epson, to design and deliver its transformative 30,000 sq ft UK headquarters at The Clarendon Works in Watford. The leading office interior design consultancy has completed a fast-track project, which reflects Epson’s transition from a conventional office, to one that supports hybrid
BW: Workplace Experts has completed the major Cat B fit out of Virgin Media O2’s London headquarters in Paddington – the new home for its London-based teams and its first major office space investment since the two brands merged in June 2021. The ambitious 81,750 sq. ft office spans six
Leading contracting and fit out specialists Linear Group has announced a string of significant project wins and completions as it looks ahead to a strong projected 2025. Driven by a number of successful bids across the Group, specifically in its main operating arms – Linear Design & Construct; Linear Projects,
A new, luxury apartment in London’s Westminster has been transformed through a groundbreaking approach blending architecture, colour, design, and music with synaesthesia. Situated in London’s cultural capital, The Aria is a breathtaking penthouse in Westminster’s iconic Chimes building and marks the debut of a pioneering synaesthesia-inspired design led by
Award Winning Fit Out Specialist Selects NFU Mutual’s Manchester Office Scheme For New Manchester HQ Award winning fit out specialist, Overbury, has selected NFU Mutual’s flagship Chancery Place office building in the central business district, as its new Manchester HQ. Overbury is one of the UK’s leading fit out specialists, operating nationally on
One of the world’s global engineering consultancies is moving into its new ‘home for big ideas’ in central London, after a 12-month transformation into a model of excellence showcasing its multi-disciplinary and sustainability capabilities to clients from across the world. Growing from 510 employees in 2019 to 720 in 2024,
Railpen, manager of the £34bn railways pension schemes in the UK, has announced plans to redevelop 101 Bayham, its 22,000 sq ft office building in central Camden, London NW1, redefining the future of workspaces. Set for completion in Autumn 2025, the 1930s Art Moderne former factory is being reimagined by renowned architects, Henley Halebrown and Studio Ghazal, to create a contemporary headquarters building to suit companies in a wide range of sectors, including tech, media and creative businesses, education, financial services and healthcare. 101 Bayham is in Camden’s creative heart, just minutes from Camden Town Tube station, with corporate neighbours including BOSS, French Connection, Dr Martens, MTV, ASOS, Havas and Universal. With a meticulous approach to restoration and design, this workspace blends heritage with cutting-edge innovation and sets a new benchmark for excellence in Central Camden. The interior of the building has been thoughtfully planned, featuring an open staircase, 4.5m floor-to-ceiling heights in the reception, a co-working space, diverse seating in a refreshment area with scenic views, and office space arranged over four further floors. The top floor has been completely redesigned to include a 1,200 sq ft roof terrace, providing breathtaking views of Hampstead Heath through the city towards the West End, with extensive planting creating a harmonious blend of urban energy and nature. Reflecting its sustainability ethos, Railpen is targeting BREEAM Outstanding and an EPC A rating, with air source heat pumps providing heating and cooling, PV panels on the roof, openable windows, planting, and reduced embodied carbon through the restoration of an existing building. In addition, the lower ground floor features a 2,500 sq ft cycle suite, including space for 30 bikes and high-quality end-of-journey facilities. Maria Averkina, Asset and Development Manager at Railpen, commented: “With 101 Bayham, Railpen is completely reimagining a character building to create a modern, efficient workspace which maximises natural light and promotes productivity while meeting the highest sustainability and wellbeing standards. Combined with its location at the heart of Camden, it will appeal to both growing and established companies seeking a headquarters building with real presence.” 101 Bayham is the latest initiative by Railpen in the office market. Earlier this month, it announced the signing of Waystone as the final letting at 125 Wood Street, its recently refurbished 65,000 sq ft office near St Paul’s Cathedral. Railpen has also recently secured consent to redevelop Eastpoint Business Park in Oxford to create a 200,000 sq ft life sciences campus, as well as started development of Mill Yard, with Botanic Place in Cambridge to follow in the coming months. Edward Charles & Partners and JLL are the joint leasing agents for 101 Bayham. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Green Light for NXQ: Soller’s 18-Storey Office Development Gets the Go-Ahead Manchester City Council has granted approval for NXQ, an 18-storey, 120,000 sq ft office development by Soller Group, set to transform the corner of Lever Street and Great Ancoats Street. The project, designed by Howells, aims to deliver high-quality, sustainable office space in a city experiencing strong demand for premium workspace. The scheme will be marketed by Savills and Knight Frank. Daniel Barnes, office agency director at Savills, said:“NXQ is an exciting addition to Manchester’s office market, offering much-needed, top-tier sustainable workspace. With planning now approved, we are confident this development will attract a diverse range of occupiers.” The development will see the demolition of several existing buildings, with key heritage elements preserved. The former Bem Brasil restaurant at 32 Great Ancoats Street will be restored to its 1930s condition and incorporated into the new office block. Additionally, the facades of 56 and 58 Lever Street will be retained to maintain the area’s historic character. Sustainability is at the heart of the project, with Soller targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating. Nick Treadaway, founding partner and chief executive of Soller, commented:“We are thrilled to have secured planning consent for NXQ. The design blends heritage with modern innovation, creating a workspace that is both characterful and future-focused. We have worked closely with Manchester City Council to bring forward a scheme that meets the city’s growing demand for best-in-class office space.” The project team includes planner AshtonHale, landscape architect Planit, flood risk and drainage expert AKT II, and cost consultant AtkinsRéalis. Turner & Townsend is overseeing project management, with Savills and Knight Frank leading the commercial strategy. With approval now in place, work is set to begin on delivering this striking new addition to Manchester’s commercial landscape. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
LEADING fit out and refurbishment main contractor Pexhurst has announced its target to achieve net zero across Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2030. The announcement follows a period of extensive research, data analysis and planning, with the target awaiting validation from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) – an external verification process of near-term targets to ensure they are in line with what the latest climate science deems necessary to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, as outlined by the Paris Agreement 2015. Having established its 2023 financial year as the baseline for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, the contractor has been able to plan for, set and now announce an ambitious absolute net zero target for these emissions. Between now and 2030, Pexurst has an intermediate target to achieve a 40% reduction in emissions by 2027. This journey has been captured in its new Carbon Reduction Plan, to be published soon, detailing its plan for a sustainable future by addressing each component of its footprint, the solutions to decarbonise them and timings for when changes will occur. Stuart Byles, director at Pexhurst, said: “As a responsible contractor, announcing a net zero target for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions is a very important moment in our own efforts to tackle climate change. There were many sources of inspiration during this process, such as our progressive commitment to sustainability and the equally ambitious net zero targets set by our clients – without forgetting how the changes will reduce our environmental impact amid a climate emergency. “The announcement of our net zero target follows a significant period of hard work to ensure we are ambitious but also realistic. The Pexhurst Junior Board deserves recognition for its role in this process, but also our sustainability coordinator Luca Sidoli – who has brought new ideas to the table along with the enthusiasm needed to ensure everyone at Pexhurst understands and embraces change. The journey we are embarking on will involve everyone within the business, which makes me proud to have such a strong cohort of passionate and vocal sustainability advocates.” By 2030, Pexhurst aims to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 90% in relation to the 2023 baseline year, followed by the carbon removal of the remaining 10%. Some of the measures Pexhurst aim to introduce to achieve its target include transitioning to electric-powered plant and fleet vehicles, as well as substituting diesel with hydrogenated vegetable oil and implementing renewable energy tariffs wherever possible. Luca Sidoli, sustainability coordinator at Pexhurst, said: “Sustainability is a huge and complex challenge that we all face, which means that education must be ongoing. Part of our net zero target strategy includes continued training on carbon impact and emissions, starting as early as the Pexhurst onboarding process, as well as supporting our staff on the operational changes required to make reductions in our emissions. “As we move forward, we will be doing everything we can to make sustainability an accessible topic – to continue inspiring, motivating and proving that urgent change is achievable. Beyond the Pexhurst team, we will be ensuring that our supply chain and clients are able to engage with us on the topic of net zero so that we are also contributing to their ambitions.” Pexhurst also understands the significance and size of its Scope 3 emissions. Therefore, it is currently undergoing a screening process with the aim of generating a complete dataset of its material categories, which will allow the contractor to begin developing a reduction plan for these emissions. To learn more about Pexhurst’s baseline year emissions and what the business has already achieved during its sustainability journey, read its Sustainability Statement for the 2023/24 reporting period: www.pexhurst.co.uk/pexhurst-sustainability-statement-2023-24 To learn more about Pexhurst, visit www.pexhurst.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The development of new Crick supported lab space at 20 Triton Street on British Land’s Regent’s Place campus represents a bold step in transforming London’s Knowledge Quarter into a global leader in life sciences. Gensler partners with British Land and the Francis Crick Institute, a flagship for discovery research in biomedicine, on new labs at 20 Triton Street in Regent’s Place, Euston. The space aims to support the shared mission to strengthen London’s Knowledge Quarter as a world-leading life sciences and biotech destination. Spanning 33,000 sq. ft the design concept developed by Gensler focuses on creating best-in-class, adaptable spaces for future tenants, utilising the Crick’s expertise in the design and operation of world-class laboratory facilities within the heart of the Knowledge Quarter. This collaboration mirrors the rapid evolution of King’s Cross, which has become a thriving science district with a high concentration of life sciences companies, research centres, and academic institutions. Nathan Morgan, Project Director at Gensler, said: “This collaboration at 20 Triton Street represents a bold step in transforming London’s Knowledge Quarter into a global leader in life sciences. Through our partnership with British Land, we have designed flexible, cutting-edge spaces that drive innovation and scientific discovery, supporting the shared mission to accelerate the process of scientific discovery, deliver benefits to society and reinforce London’s position as a world-class destination for biotech.” Gensler’s design features a central community hub to foster interaction and collaboration, providing dynamic spaces for both individual scientific discovery and collaboration. The space includes CL-2 wet lab suites, flexible office spaces, meeting rooms, and shared amenities such as an outdoor terrace, ideal for driving creativity and cross-disciplinary exchange. The range and type of modular spaces provided underscores the flexible, hybrid nature of today’s research and development environments, where cross-functional teams from academia, industry, and start-ups work closely together to tackle global health challenges. Stephen Mayhew, Chief Business Officer at the Francis Crick Institute, said: “By bringing the expertise in technology and infrastructure of the world- renowned Francis Crick Institute, we are opening the door to the next generation of global life science businesses – helping them to go faster and further than ever before.” The Francis Crick Institute supported lab space at 20 Triton Street is designed to feel like a Crick space. The resulting aesthetic features intentional injections of bold colour balanced with a neutral base palette along with branding and environmental graphic design. The space also incorporates elements of biophilia, with a focus on sustainability using high-recycled content materials such as perforated timber and acoustic walls, creating a natural, calming atmosphere. Simon Hepher, Head of Regent’s Place Asset Management, commented: “The completion of this pioneering, highly flexible lab space at Regent’s Place marks an exciting next chapter for lab space within the Knowledge Quarter. Collaborating with The Francis Crick Institute and Gensler has been a fantastic experience, showcasing the incredible outcomes that can be achieved when experts unite. I am eager to see the innovative companies, groundbreaking research, and scientific advancements that will emerge from this space.” This speculative development approach by British Land caters to the dynamic nature of scientific research and aligns with the Crick’s goals, providing highly serviced and state- of-the-art laboratories and office facilities to companies sharing its scientific mission in biomedicine. This emerging idea of a collaborative network reflects a broader shift towards creating a cohesive and interconnected community within the Knowledge Quarter. Gensler’s development of the Francis Crick Institute supported lab space at 20 Triton Street builds on an earlier collaboration with British Land to design shared tenant facilities within the building, including end-of-trip facilities, lobbies, and amenity spaces. The project team at 20 Triton Street includes Gensler, Bulb, Studio Sutton and ARUP. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
OP has successfully partnered with global technology leader Epson, to design and deliver its transformative 30,000 sq ft UK headquarters at The Clarendon Works in Watford. The leading office interior design consultancy has completed a fast-track project, which reflects Epson’s transition from a conventional office, to one that supports hybrid working. The new office, spread across two floors, incorporates a range of flexible workspaces, creating a modern, green, and collaborative environment. Breakout areas are positioned at the heart of the office, with abundant natural light and external views, enhancing connectivity and foot traffic between floors. These spaces are strategically placed near staircases to ensure flow, encouraging employee interaction and engagement. A key component of the redesign was ensuring that the space would cater not only to employees but also provide flexibility for customer interaction. The dedicated demonstration space allows Epson to showcase its products in a dynamic environment, complete with meeting rooms and a product display area. OP’s design reflects the building’s industry-leading sustainability credentials, as well as Epson’s, who are in the top 1% of their industry for sustainability according to independent accessors EcoVadis. It uses existing furniture, environmentally responsible products, and incorporates extensive planting throughout the office. Neil Brookhouse, Operations Manager at OP, attributed the success of the project to the seamless collaboration between OP and Epson’s teams. He said: “The biggest challenge was time. With a firm deadline to meet, we needed to create an inspiring and functional space within a 12-week programme. “Through constant communication and collaboration with Epson’s UK and European teams, and the support of our construction software, we were able to complete the project two weeks ahead of schedule.” “OP’s delivery of our new UK headquarters at The Clarendon Works has been exceptional from start to finish. Their honest on-site management and professional approach made the entire process seamless, while their flexible design management helped us achieve our vision for a modern hybrid workplace. The team’s practical approach to problem-solving and ability to adapt to our program requirements was impressive, ultimately delivering our 30,000 sq ft space ahead of schedule. Their collaborative spirit and technical expertise in handling complex installations proved invaluable throughout the project.” Lee Roberts, Epson UK Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
BW: Workplace Experts has completed the major Cat B fit out of Virgin Media O2’s London headquarters in Paddington – the new home for its London-based teams and its first major office space investment since the two brands merged in June 2021. The ambitious 81,750 sq. ft office spans six floors, plus additional ground floor space, and includes large areas for team collaboration, hosting visitors and a variety of private and open work areas. Standout features include a prestigious ground floor client experience area, and a space on the ninth floor focused entirely on collaboration, with a conference suite, boardroom, multi-functional dining and social space, and a 130-capacity event studio. Every floor further includes areas designed to facilitate naturally occurring conversations. These ‘accidental meeting points’ are opposite the lift lobby of each floor and serve to bring employees closer together into one team – a key goal for the new office and cornerstone of the merger. BW: Workplace Experts delivered each floor to reflect the wide range of services offered by Virgin Media O2 and what its customers use its connectivity for, from gaming and music-themed floors, through to sports, streaming and more. This resulted in over 350 individual finishes and 75 light fitting types, 22 being feature lighting, to match the individual look and feel of each floor. All existing services were then carefully managed by the team to achieve both aesthetics and functionality. This included overcoming challenges presented by the highly congested ceiling when applying acoustic spray to the soffit. This was achieved through excellent RCP site coordination to meticulously arrange the exposed services and attain the impressive clear ceiling heights. Diversity and inclusion was also a key consideration from the start, and the site features gender-neutral toilets, study and retreat spaces for neurodivergent colleagues, and multi-faith rooms with Wudu facilities. Colour schemes were also reviewed to ensure tonal contrast and improve the experience for any employee who is partially sighted, while sufficient space has been provided in meeting rooms and other spaces to ensure wheelchair access. Committed to supporting Virgin Media O2’s ESG strategy ‘the Better Connections Plan’, BW: Workplace Experts met criteria for acoustics, material selection, air quality and waste management, and the building is on track to achieve the highest levels of sustainable certifications in the UK; BREEAM Outstanding and WELL Platinum. The team also added social value by creating a local partnership with the nearby Edward Wilson Primary School, investing 98 volunteering hours as well as local materials, including those repurposed from the Virgin Media O2 project, to paint the playground walls, deliver new bug houses to encourage biodiversity, and reimagine the dated library for pupils to enjoy. The library refurbishment includes a new stage that can also be used for drama performances, whiteboards, beanbag seating and new book shelving. Paul Kavanagh, Operations Director at BW: Workplace Experts, comments: “Our work has completely transformed Virgin Media O2’s new London office headquartersin Paddington. Through extensive attention to detail and dedicated workshops with the client, we delivered numerous individual finishes to help achieve the unique look and feel of each floor. The result is a workspace that reflects the collaboration of the Virgin Media O2 teams, bringing their vision to life through every individual fit out detail. We are blown away by the seamless end result and we are also proud to have worked closely towards achieving sustainability targets and leave a positive impact on the local community by fostering a relationship with the Edward Wilson Primary School in Paddington, which the Virgin Media O2 office team can continue to build on.” Rodney Hogg, Property Director at Virgin Media O2, said: “Moving our London HQ to Paddington is an important milestone for us, providing a vibrant, state-of-the-art office space for our people to get together in person and collaborate, while also supporting our flexible working culture. “BW: Workplace Experts and Gensler have more than met our expectations in the design and delivery of this bespoke site, with floors that reflect the entertainment services we provide to millions of customers, and supporting our Better Connections Plan through being on track to achieve the highest possible levels of certifications for sustainability.” Harry Noble, Director, CBRE Occupier Project Management, said: “We are proud to have played a pivotal role in the acquisition and establishment of Virgin Media 02’s new London headquarters, from transaction management and brokerage through to project management. As strategic partners from the outset, our service lines have ensured a seamless process from property search through to successful project delivery.” The project was completed by BW:Workplace Experts alongside project partners CBRE, Gensler, MIX and Ramboll UK. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leading contracting and fit out specialists Linear Group has announced a string of significant project wins and completions as it looks ahead to a strong projected 2025. Driven by a number of successful bids across the Group, specifically in its main operating arms – Linear Design & Construct; Linear Projects, in both England and Scotland; and Linear Building Compliance, the company turnover is set to surpass £75m. Commenting on the recent successes and forward order book, Stephen Holmes, CEO, Linear Group, said, “Our diverse offering across our three core business means we can compete and deliver on many fronts. From small to medium size Main Contract Projects through Linear Design & Construct to a range of both specialist and large, complex subcontract packages through Linear Projects and more recently our Maintenance & Remedial offering through Linear Building Compliance. We are in a very good place heading into our next Financial Year with 75% of our order book already full in all businesses.” Established in 2018, Linear Design & Construct (LDC) is the Group’s main contracting arm, who will achieve an increase in turnover to £35m in the year ahead. With a focus on steady year on year growth, the business has delivered successful project completions and growth with a greater awareness of capability and expertise across the £1m to £15m project market. Recent bid successes include: Another key area of focus for LDC has been across the Hub Frameworks which has led to noticeable increase in public sector tenders as Local Authorities look to refurbish existing properties. Testament to this is the recent selection as Preferred Bidder to deliver the Strathclyde Park Water Sports Centre, which is close to home for the team, and will commence late summer 2025. With over 30 years of operation, Linear Projects Scotland and England has forged a strong reputation within the industry, both North and South of the Border. By offering a multi-package fit out expertise coupled with an ability to be flexible to client needs, this has driven constant growth and continues to deliver repeat business. Recent project wins in Scotland include: Recent project wins and completions in England include: Across Scotland and England, these projects have delivered a combined value to the Group of £26m. The Group’s specialist Fire Compartmentation and Fire Door Maintenance business, Linear Building Compliance (LBC), has seen steady growth since it was established in 2022. The expert nature of this field has allowed the team to demonstrate their capability and drive growth through high quality delivery. This has led to LBC and Linear Fire Safety being appointed on multiple frameworks giving excellent continuity of work into 2025 and beyond. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
A new, luxury apartment in London’s Westminster has been transformed through a groundbreaking approach blending architecture, colour, design, and music with synaesthesia. Situated in London’s cultural capital, The Aria is a breathtaking penthouse in Westminster’s iconic Chimes building and marks the debut of a pioneering synaesthesia-inspired design led by award-winning interior designer, Jo Love. In a design first, Jo Love harnessed her unique synaesthetic ability – where sounds trigger visual perceptions of colour and form – to influence every aspect of the space. To create a holistic and immersive environment, Jo composed a personalised playlist for each room, drawing inspiration from the melodies. For example, the penthouse’s kitchen was infused with the carefree spirit of Caius’ track In the Sun, which inspired a vibrant, health-focused design. This resulted in calming artworks of bamboo leaves, lotus flowers, and olive trees, symbolising both renewal and the rich history of Westminster. To bring Jo’s vision to life, she collaborated with Crown Trade’s colour experts to curate a palette comprising of up to 50 custom shades. The colours were intentionally selected to support the function of each room while amplifying the building’s natural light and creating a seamless, therapeutic atmosphere for residents. Deep greens and browns in the master bedroom evoke calm, promoting restful sleep, while the living areas feature lilacs, creams, and greens to inspire relaxation, as well as bespoke artwork which has been painted directly onto the walls. Each hue reflects the building’s rhythm, heritage, and the vibrancy of London itself. Jo Love, Creative Director at LOVE Design Studio, said: “We are always looking at new ways to create beautiful spaces for people to thrive. At The Aria, we explored expanding the senses by blending colour with music and design details to create a unique set of spaces intrinsically linked with positive living. “Partnering with Crown Paints was a key part to realise the vision – with over 50 intuitively selected colours, the use of paint extended way beyond a background colour. We placed the Crown paint at the forefront within art ceilings and furniture for the ultimate colour experience.” Lauren Burnett, Architectural & Design Consultant at Crown Paints, shared: “This project has been an exciting and truly inspiring collaboration. Integrating sound and colour in such an innovative way was a first for us, and we’re delighted with the outcome. “We hope the residents of The Aria will enjoy these spaces for years to come, whilst also prompting other designers and users to think deeper about the impact of colour through senses.” Beyond the aesthetic, the project also emphasises longevity. To ensure the apartment’s striking finish endures, Crown Trade’s Clean Extreme Scrubbable Matt was selected for the interior walls and ceilings. This premium, stain-resistant paint can withstand regular cleaning without compromising its rich colour saturation, making it the perfect choice for a high-end, future-proof interior. For more information about Crown Paints’ colour services, visit Crown Paints Professional. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Award Winning Fit Out Specialist Selects NFU Mutual’s Manchester Office Scheme For New Manchester HQ Award winning fit out specialist, Overbury, has selected NFU Mutual’s flagship Chancery Place office building in the central business district, as its new Manchester HQ. Overbury is one of the UK’s leading fit out specialists, operating nationally on office, higher education and science facilities projects. The move will see them relocate from their existing premises at The Zenith Building, to 6,843 sq ft on the 13th floor of Chancery Place, signing a new 10-year lease. NFU Mutual has invested heavily into Chancery Place to create an enhanced occupier experience including a newly refurbished reception and common areas in addition to a communal roof top terrace. Plans are also in place to deliver significantly improved end-of-journey facilities in the basement area in the coming months. Alex Pocock, Asset Manager at NFU Mutual, said: “We are thrilled that Overbury has chosen Chancery Place as its new Manchester base. Securing an occupier of this calibre is a testament to the quality of the recent refurbishment works, and we are actively making further improvements to the building to enhance the existing amenity provision.” Mark Garner, Office Agent at CBRE said: “We are delighted to welcome Overbury to Chancery Place, who will benefit from one of the best, unrestricted views of Manchester City Centre from their floor. We’re very much looking forward to seeing what they do with the space.” David Vaal, Managing Director from Overbury commented “Having been at our existing offices for the last 18 years, this move comes at a pivotal moment in Overbury’s growth in the region, and as Managing Director for the business I’m proud to play a part in it. Our collaborative approach has been the foundation in securing repeat business, while also continuing to attract new clients through the high-quality work we deliver. “The new office environment we’re creating will inspire and motivate our team, providing a space that supports creativity and enables them to give exceptional service to our clients. Over the last 20 years, we’ve earned the reputation as the leading fit out specialist in the region, and our talented team will continue to uphold that status; always putting our clients first and collaborating with our consultant partners to build long lasting relationships.” CBRE, OBI and Colliers act as leasing agents for NFU Mutual on Chancery Place and Knight Frank acted for Overbury. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
One of the world’s global engineering consultancies is moving into its new ‘home for big ideas’ in central London, after a 12-month transformation into a model of excellence showcasing its multi-disciplinary and sustainability capabilities to clients from across the world. Growing from 510 employees in 2019 to 720 in 2024, the new office re-location is a reflection of this growth. Buro Happold’s London-based employees will work across 31,000 square feet and four floors of cutting-edge office space of the Featherstone Building on City Road, EC1. Buro Happold met the challenge of maintaining the building’s already impressive BREEAM Outstanding rating with its fit-out. The base build office also achieves both LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum, Wired Score Platinum and with the fit out an additional Well Building Standard Platinum status for achieving exemplary environmental, sustainability, efficiency and health & wellbeing criteria is being delivered. To meet its own exacting needs, Buro Happold worked closely with global architecture, design, and planning firm Gensler to shape and design its workspaces, after listening to the views and ideas of its staff including through Town Hall sessions and sustainability and workplace focused working groups. Inclusive design and wellbeing are central to the new space, with a variety of quieter spaces, and busier spaces for collaboration, parent and multi-faith rooms, as well as a dedicated landscaped terrace area. Buro Happold led on sustainability, MEP, acoustics, lighting and inclusive design, as well as the inclusion of a structurally engineered set-piece timber staircase connecting floors five and six. Q Flow software was used to track the sustainable origin of all materials throughout the design process and underpin the high level of certification needed to meet the standards. Smart building technology has been installed to monitor heating and lighting performance in real-time as well as workspace utilisation, helping optimise building performance, wellbeing and productivity. To harmonise all of these innovative new elements, an easy-to-use smart-phone app has been created to access the building, book workspace and meeting rooms, and to provide staff with improved user experience and real-time updates. Justin Phillips, London Office Director, said: “We wanted to create a workplace that embodied the excellence of our staff within it. Collaboration was essential to this process, and we engaged with our staff early-on to understand what was really important to them. “Our mix of needs is very different as we continue to evolve from traditional engineers to multi-disciplinary experts and advisors, and the design of this office reflects that. “We’re proud of our new London home we’ve created. It’s not only a great place to be, but it also aligns with our ambitious sustainability goals and those of many of our clients across the world. I’m really excited about the potential of what we imagine and create here with our clients and collaborators in the transformative years ahead.” Becky Spenceley, Design Director, Gensler said: “We are delighted to have partnered with Buro Happold to design their new London headquarters. At Gensler, we strive to implement circular and resilient design solutions, setting new standards for an eco-friendly built environment. “Our design at the Featherstone Building has established an innovative and sustainable workplace design focused around honest materiality, celebrating structure and re-use furniture. It is a reflection of Buro Happold’s brand and values, and showcases an exciting variety of work and social spaces for employees and clients.” Choice of materials, features and design was also essential to ensuring the new office was as inclusive as possible. Drawing on expertise from within, Justin sought expertise from its Senior Inclusive Design Consultant Jean Hewitt on designing its spaces for inclusivity and neurodiversity. Jean is one of the leading practitioners in the field of inclusive design and is the UK Government’s Disability and Access Ambassador focusing on the built environment. Buro Happold works for a diverse range of private and public sector clients across multiple areas and is proud to have delivered many of London’s landmarks including Battersea Power Station, O2 Arena (Millennium Dome), The Michael Uren Biomedical Building, 5 Broadgate, Emirates Stadium, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and Stratford Waterfront. The Featherstone Building is a short distance from Old Street and Liverpool St underground stations and opposite the iconic White Collar Factory campus. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
