Barr Gazetas has completed the refurbishment of 127 Charing Cross Road for Nomura and Lothbury Investment Management Ltd.
The project includes over 46,000ft2 of office and retail space located in the West End, near Tottenham Court Road tube station, and features a three-storey extension that increased the gross external area by 47%.
The existing 1970s office structure underwent significant remodelling, as it was previously deemed to negatively affect the Soho Conservation Area.
The refurbishment acknowledges the site’s history, with design elements inspired by the original tenants, catalogue furniture upholsterers Alfred Goslett & Co. The reception area features fluted green glazed lavastone, neutral-toned terrazzo, and planters, while design features promote well-being, including expansive glazing for natural light and terraces on all but one floor. The largest terrace is on the roof, providing communal outdoor space. The interior includes openable windows and intelligent building technology for monitoring and controlling the environmental. Facilities for cycling storage and changing rooms are integrated into the basement.
The project retains the existing concrete frame and basement structure while adding a larger core to support the extension. Photovoltaic panels on the roof enhance sustainability.
A key aspect of the project involved replacing the main street façade to align with the character of nearby refurbished buildings. The new façade incorporates a granite base and limestone cladding, with a stepped-back design distinguishing the old from the new. Green glazed terracotta panels frame extensive glazed sections on the lower floors.
Jon Eaglesham, director at Barr Gazetas, said: ‘127 Charing Cross Road is an example of how we can sustainably maximise office space in central London, by both transforming our existing buildings and injecting new design to meet current market demands. This project has been exciting to be involved with at every stage, from the initial concept design to the interior finishes where we revisited the catalogue of the site’s first ever tenants to inspire the final colours, finishes and branding of the refurbishment.’
Barr Gazetas’ recent projects include the heritage-led refurbishment of Grainhouse in Covent Garden, Fivefields workspace for charities, and the Holbein Gardens redevelopment, which aims for net-zero operational carbon by 2030.
