Prominent Fleet Street office building to undergo “state-of-the-art” refurbishment

DLA Architecture has secured planning permission for the extension and refurbishment of St Bride’s House on Salisbury Square, Fleet Street, London, a 50,000 sq ft prime office building.

St. Bride’s House is an existing office building, formerly developed in 1982, within the Fleet Street Conservation Area. Located among “rich heritage”, the building touches key sites of local and national significance, such as Sir Edward Lutyens’ Grade II listed 85 Fleet Street and the Grade II listed St. Bride’s Foundation of 1891.

DLA worked closely with conservation officers, local stakeholders, and institutions to develop an approach that positively contributed to the conservation area. Challenges of the site were “converted to opportunities” for public interpretation and the telling of local stories, such as the redesign of the “unwelcoming” passageway and other proposed external interventions.

The new design aims to create a “high quality flexible” workspace that targets the wellness of future users of the building. More immediate outdoor access will be provided for all refurbished floors through the creation of new terraces and balconies whilst cascading external planting will provide views of greenery.

A “state-of-the-art” end of trip facility and wellness centre is also included with a dedicated lift, new reception and welcome lounge. The building’s energy strategy aims to deliver a solution that is not reliant on fossil fuels and, through fabric upgrades and intelligent lighting systems, creates a more sustainable building.

The project also incorporates enhancement of the public realm where the existing St Bride’s Passage that runs under the building and links Salisbury Square to Blackfriars is re-imagined with new artwork, hardscaping and seating areas.

The project team is targeting WELL Gold, BREEAM Excellent, Wired Score Gold and NABERS 4.5 stars. With conditional planning consent in place, work is expected to start on site in Summer 2023.

Adam Atraktzi, associate in the London Office of DLA Architecture, commented: “We are delighted to have secured planning permission for this complex office refurbishment and extension to St Bride’s House.

“We are excited to be delivering a building that will be best in class, meeting NABERS, BREEAM and WIRED Score criteria to create not just a sustainable re-use of an existing building but also a workplace environment that improves the wellness of users over time”.

By Matthew Neville – Senior Correspondent, Bdaily

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