The project for Orion Capital Managers and Quadrant Estates will transform the Grade II listed building, formerly known as Carmelite House, which was, for many decades, home to Associated Newspapers Ltd, publishers of the Evening News and the Daily Mail.
The characterful 1897 building lies within the Whitefriars Conservation Area near Blackfriars Bridge in the City of London. It will undergo extensive work to improve its flexibility, appearance and sustainability credentials. The project is due to complete in April 2014.
Designed by architects Fletcher Priest Architects, the building will offer 20,000 sq ft office floor plates, targeting occupiers from the West End, Mid-Town and the City looking for Grade A space.
Tristram Gethin, managing director at Quadrant Estates, said: "This is a significant step forward and we can now get cracking on what is one of London’s most exciting and enviable office locations adjacent to the brand new Blackfriars station. The additional floor delivers more premium office space for occupiers and the 7,500 sq ft roof terrace provides one of the very best views in London. This is what sets Carmelite Riverside apart."
-- Advertisement --
The existing building comprises a basement, lower ground, ground and six upper floors, and has two distinct external elements. To the rear of the site, the building incorporates a Grade II Listed façade, with a 1990's elevation to the front. The design recognises the fine quality of the listed rear façades and will leave these untouched.
The design also retains the majority of the existing structural frame and the new proposal has been carefully designed to the building’s situation within the conservation area and enviable Victoria Embankment frontage with its views of the Thames.
The project includes the replacement of the windows and a façade, and the remodelling of the floorplate, atrium and cores to improve natural lighting and create two separate tenant spaces on each floor and an area on the roof of the building which will be let.
Improving the sustainability of the building is a key aspect of the refurbishment. The project is targeting a BRE Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) Excellent rating, and sustainable features including a green roof, low energy lighting and presence detection, heat recovery and improved natural light will be incorporated within the redevelopment. Materials for the project will also be sustainably sourced.
The project team includes quantity surveyors Gardiner & Theobald, engineers WSP, and mechanical and electrical engineers Chapman Bathurst. Project management on the site is by Second London Wall.
(CD/GK)
