Paddington Square reaches highest construction point

Developer Sellar, and Mace, the global consultancy and construction company, have reached the highest construction point at Paddington Square, London’s new quarter for work, retail, and dining, topping out the new 18-storey office building at the heart of Paddington’s regeneration.

Main construction partner Mace, together with key project partners Renzo Piano Building Workshop, William Hare, Morrisroe, WSP, Erith and Adamsons, are delivering Paddington Square for Sellar on behalf of Great Wester Developments. The project will create 14 floors of bright, flexible commercial workspace including ‘The Exchange’, a 15,000 sq ft occupier club and terrace, plus four floors of retail, and West London’s highest rooftop restaurant.

The development sits between major local landmarks Paddington Station and St Mary’s Hospital, at the intersection of many natural spaces and green travel routes.

5,500 tonnes of steel are being used to create Paddington Square’s design, with most of the steel beams and columns remaining exposed, including a 5m-wide area around the building’s perimeter, where low-iron glass windows add to the ultra-transparent design intention for the scheme. Steel was chosen as the best framing solution to achieve the required column-free areas within the 14 floors of workspace and especially The Exchange, which benefits from high ceilings and an abundance of natural light.

James Sellar, CEO of Sellar, said: “We are pleased to have reached this major milestone at Paddington Square. It is testament to the hard work, expertise and dedication of the project team that we have been able to meet the challenges of the last 18 months head-on and continue to deliver one of London’s most innovative and complex development projects. Paddington Square will mark a step-change for the area, offering contemporary office and retail space as well as becoming a vital new part of the area’s public infrastructure. We look forward to welcoming the first occupiers and visitors when it completes in Summer 2022.”

Stephen Pycroft, Group Chairman of Mace, added: “It is a privilege to once again be working together with Sellar on Paddington Square, continuing the relationship we established delivering The Shard nearly fifteen years ago.  As one of the most important parts of the wider regeneration of Paddington, this project will stand proud above the tens of millions of travellers who travel through this station every year, helping to create a new neighbourhood for the city and forming a lasting legacy.   Sellar’s vision for a sustainable workplace of the future, together with their commitment to make a positive difference for local people, has guided Mace’s team in achieving this major milestone.  We look forward to seeing this landmark new building being completed.”

Paddington Square is a development by Sellar on behalf of Great Western Developments Ltd, a joint venture between Hotel Properties Limited and Anchorage View Pte. Ltd.