One Bessborough Gardens

Infill extensions and rooftop pavillion within an extensive CAT A refurbishment
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Project summary

  • Client: Charles Street Building Group
  • Location: London
  • Sector: Workplace
  • Size: 72,300sqft | 7 storeys
  • Status: Planning.

Story

One Bessborough Gardens is an extremely prominent city block to the north of Vauxhall Bridge, adjacent to the Thames. Although neoclassical in style, the building was delivered as part of a development by the Crown Estate in 1988 to reflect the built legacy of Pimlico’s famed architect and master builder, Thomas Cubitt, whose works can be seen all around this part of Westminster.

Occupied by a government agency for 20years, the building is now undergoing an extensive refurbishment and repositioning, to provide outstanding workplace accommodation, at a scale much-sought after in Millbank.

The project has been designed from the outset with occupant wellbeing and sensitivity to its context in mind.

Key to the success of the proposals is the removal of the incongruous slate pitched roof between the north, central and southern blocks to be replaced with a contemporary infill extension, providing valuable additional floorspace. A rooftop pavillion is introduced, in the style of the main building, giving access to two large rooftop terraces – the southern-most having outstanding views toward the river – providing new space to lunch, hold exercise classes and events.

The rooftop additions have been extremely carefully considered to remove any risk to privacy to the rear, and step sensitively back from the main building line with consideration to daylight.

Internally, the office floorplates are being refurbished to provide CAT-A accommodation, with high-quality finishes to the lobbies. At ground floor, a new double-height void is to be formed, providing the building the quality of arrival experience it commands.

The designs are being developed with Fitwel and WELL Building Standard principles embedded, and will save over 150 tonnes of carbon in operation each year.

To view the interior spaces in virtual reality, on your screen or phone, click here.