The City of London Planning & Transportation Committee has approved the transformation of the former 1980’s BT headquarters
Much of the BT headquarters structural frame will be reused, but the massing of the building will be significantly improved to reduce the obstruction of key views.
The building has a wide array of amenities including a gym and spa as well as a restaurant situated on the roof.
Through reusing most of the structure, this project will be first net-zero carbon enabled office development in London.
One of London’s most unique buildings
A spokesperson from AKT II Envelopes, said: “We’re pleased to announce that our project with KPF for our client Tejat V Lux Sàrl, advised by Orion Capital Managers and Pella Real Estate Partners, has received planning permission.
“AKT II is providing structural, façade and bioclimatic engineering services to the 81 Newgate Street project.”
Marta Galiñanes Garcia, design director (structures), commented: “The former BT HQ is one of London’s most unique buildings and we’re excited to be a part of the reinvention of the structure, implementing a ‘retrofirst’ approach for this scheme.”
Steve McDowell, director (AKT II Envelopes), said: “AKT II Envelopes, our façade engineering team, are sustainably reusing the existing stone cladding, modernising it to create a new, high-performance building envelope.”
Mattia Donato, bioclimatic team lead, added: “Our Bioclimatic team worked closely with KPF to design comfortable and safe outdoor spaces at pedestrian, terrace and roof-top levels.
“Our work enabled us to quantify the benefits of different mitigation strategies, from building massing to balustrade design, extending the results of the wind tunnel tests.”
