Key takeaways
21
storey space successfully demolished in an urbanised area
200+
neighbouring commercial spaces
11,500
sq m additional lettable office space
- Maximised lettable office space by an additional three storeys above and below, a total expansion of 11,500 sq metres – now reaching a height of 27-storeys.
- By collaborating closely with fit-out specialists Como, we synchronised the Cat A fitout with the final construction stages, significantly saving time and reducing costs for the client.
- Successfully demolished a 21-storey building within the heart of London to the highest safety standards and with minimal disruption to surrounding neighbours.
Imagine the challenge of demolishing a 21-storey building, except for its concrete core, and then increasing its height by six storeys—all under the watchful eyes of nearly 200 neighbours, including the Bank of England. This daunting task was undertaken to secure planning permission for a new building of the same height. By retaining the core, the central tower could be extended to 27 storeys, rather than the original 21, or the 11 floors that would have been permitted with a complete demolition.
To maximise space, we relocated the mechanical and electrical plant from the seventh storey to the basement. This adjustment allowed two more upper podium floors to be used as office space and enabled all 27 new floors to be fixed at different levels from the original building. Additionally, the building's frame was leaned outwards until the tenth storey, then straightened to vertical, further increasing lettable space.
This innovative approach made a significant difference for the client, resulting in approximately 11,500 square metres of additional high-grade, lettable office space compared to an 11-storey building.
The Cat A fit-out of the commercial offices was managed by our fit-out specialists, Como. They shared logistics, from hoists and cranes to the site’s clocking-in procedures. This collaboration allowed us to overlap the final stages of construction with the Cat A fit-out, saving the client both time and money.
Steel beams and columns, up to 12m long, were delivered and lifted into position one at a time. To ensure safe navigation through the narrow streets surrounding the site, delivery drivers were trained on a practice track using a video representation of the road layout.
This project not only transformed One Angel Court but also showcased our commitment to innovative construction techniques, efficient use of space, and community consideration.
