To be redeveloped for Orion Capital Managers and Quadrant Estates, the project will transform the Grade II listed 1897 Carmelite House, which was for many decades, home to Associated Newspapers Ltd, publishers of the Evening News and the Daily Mail.
Located within Whitefriars Conservation Area near Blackfriars Bridge in the city of London, it will undergo extensive work to improve its flexibility, appearance and sustainability credentials. Targeting occupiers from the West End, Mid-Town and the city looking for Grade A space, the building will offer 20,000 square feet of office floor plates. The additional floors will deliver more premium office space for occupiers and the 7,500 square feet roof terrace will provide one of the best views in London.
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 fine quality of the listed rear façades will be untouched to retain its importance.
The new proposal has been carefully designed to retain the majority of the existing structural frame and the building’s situation within the conservation area. The redevelopment project includes the replacement of the windows and a façade, and the remodelling of the floorplate, atrium and cores to improve natural lighting.
Apart from that it will also create two separate tenant spaces on each floor and an area on the roof of the building which will be let out. Sustainability of the building is a key aspect of the refurbishment which will incorporate elements like a green roof, low energy lighting and presence detection, heat recovery and improved natural light. The project is targeting a BREEAM Excellent rating.
The project is scheduled for completion by April 2014.
