Client Introduction: Ben Cross in the Realm of Retrofitting Industry
At General Projects, a new chapter for two London landmarks
Ben Cross, Development Director at General Projects, shares insights into the ongoing retrofitting of two iconic London buildings – the Heal's Building and Metropolis. Both projects demonstrate the potential of repurposing historic structures to cater to modern office demands.
The Heal's Building, originally a factory complex for Heal & Son furniture, now undergoing transformation by Buckley Gray Yeoman, showcases a blend of industrial heritage and modern technology. Incorporating several buildings constructed over two centuries, the site continues to house Heal's alongside a diverse community of creative, financial, technology, and real estate sectors.
With the completion of significant renovations nearing, the former department store, mattress factory, and dispatch works have been transformed into a stimulating collection of workspaces, seamlessly merging historical charm with modern occupancy needs. This process involved considerable investment in performance upgrades while respecting the Grade II* listed status of the building, a challenge many developers might forego.
The refreshed Heal's Building is a testament to the harmonious fusion of the past and the future, an approach that General Projects aims to maintain in all its projects.
Metropolis presents a radical shift in the concept of retrofitting. Originally commissioned for Woolworths as their UK headquarters, the building's transformation by AHMM is set to complete within six months. The development, rekindled from a mid-century classic by Richard Seifert, promises to be one of the highest-performing, amenity-rich, and sustainable buildings in London.
The revamped Metropolis boasts market-leading amenities, private gardens on every floor, extensive use of mass timber, thousands of planted trees, and multiple environmental initiatives. Among its numerous accolades, it is the first building in London to achieve AirRated Platinum and demonstrates the advantages of a radical approach to reinventing an existing building, both for the environment and for delivering an exceptional product.
Selecting architects to collaborate with is a crucial aspect of General Projects' work due to the abundance of talented architects in the UK. The partnership with architects is established based on their experience, dynamism, and alignment with project timelines – persistence and good working relationships are key.
The market for repurposing old department stores is challenging, as customers demand high-quality, sustainable, and innovative buildings. Existing buildings often possess advantageous locations, connections, and a history of resilience, making them prime candidates for adaptive reuse.
The future looks promising for these retrofit projects. The persistent demand for high-quality office space in London's central business districts, the policy environment favoring refurbishment, and the interest in mixed-use developments promise a successful outcome for the Heal's Building and Metropolis – two remarkable examples of London's evolving office market landscape.
- The Heal's Building, with its harmonious fusion of industrial heritage and modern technology, exemplifies the potential of integrating history and cutting-edge real estate within a prime candidate for adaptive reuse, making it a striking example in the challenging market for repurposing old department stores.
- The transformative Metropolis project, combining market-leading amenities, mass timber construction, and multiple environmental initiatives, demonstrates the advantages of a radical approach to real estate development, showcasing how sports, technology, and other sectors can thrive in a building rooted in mid-century classic design and history.
