1-6 Lombard Street
City of London
We were commissioned by Canada Life Asset Management in 2006 to prepare full refurbishment masterplan proposals for this Grade II listed building to suit floor-by-floor implementation phased to a programme aligned with existing tenant leases. The brief’s requirement for all phases to be carried out with existing tenants in occupation demanded strict control of all implementation aspects likely to cause disruption.
The resulting BREEAM ‘excellent’-rated, Fitwell Silver-accredited scheme has been extremely successful and very well received by the market. The project will benefit existing tenants as be a focal point through the delivery of high-end reception floorspace for other office workers and visitors to the locality.
This Grade II listed building by architects Dunn & Watson and W Curtis Green was erected between 1905 and 1915 on a prominent site opposite the Bank of England, with a long curving front topped by a giant order and unusual Byzantine-style carvings by Laurence Turner. It underwent comprehensive works in 1985-87.
Our proposals were to rationalise the core provision to the building – including modern facilities and new services -, while working with its heritage features. The first phase in 2006 involved the Category A and B fitout of one floor for Canada Life as its City headquarters, and work to the entrance and external terraces - which required extensive consultation with English Heritage and the City Planning Authorities. In a following phase four floors were refurbished to Cat A and Cat B, including an additional floor for Canada Life now housing their executive suite.
The entrance and common parts were reconfigured to include new lobby, reception and lifts, collaboration areas, recreation spaces, meeting rooms, and new end-of-journey facilities with cycle store, lockers, shower, tenants’ gym and wellbeing room. We have also provided interior design services reinstating the historic character that had been removed during the 1980s, dressing to the spaces and guidance with reference to artwork and lighting installation.
Currently, works are being completed on a floor-by-floor basis, comprising a series of CAT A and turnkey fitouts, providing readily available office space with modern WCs, support facilities and new services throughout.
Consultants
Structural Engineering: Perega
Building Services Engineering: Long & Partners
Project Management: Avison Young