Construction contracts have been exchanged between MARK, CC Land and Laing O’Rourke – this paves the way for the project team led by Finchatton to progress main delivery of the redevelopment and restoration of the former Whiteleys centre in London’s Bayswater
Designed by Foster + Partners, the new Whiteleys will deliver 139 world-class, modern residences, 20 new shops, cafes and restaurants, a central public courtyard, a cinema, a gym and London’s flagship Six Senses hotel and spa with 110 rooms, as well as its social wellness club, all set behind a retained and restored Grade II-listed façade.
Alongside the plans for the building, the Queensway streetscape will be redesigned to become more pedestrian-friendly, giving it a new lease of life as a key London thoroughfare, and a renewed gateway and runway to Hyde Park.
Laing O’Rourke’s specialist engineering business, Expanded began work on-site in January 2020 under a £100m package to deliver the basement and frame which sits behind the retained four-storey, Grade II, listed façade on the Queensway elevation.
The new Whiteleys is set to complete in 2023.
Using Modern Methods of Construction
Richard Shaw, development director at Finchatton, said: “We have managed to maintain the delivery and procurement programme despite the challenges presented by Covid and this owes much to the motivation and professionalism of all members of Laing O’Rourke and the client team engaged on the project.”
Paul McNerney, director of UK Building for Laing O’Rourke, said: “Our Expanded team has made incredible progress on the basement and frame structure, despite having to adapt to create a Covid-secure workplace.
“I’d like to thank them for their commitment to keeping the project on track. By using Modern Methods of Construction, they have been able to make excellent progress on the delivery of the sub-structure and frame.
“Many of the components such as core walls, columns and façade elements will be manufactured at our Centre of Excellence for Modern Construction in Nottinghamshire before being transported for on-site assembly.
“Almost 600 precast items have already been manufactured, out of a total 4,000 required for the development. This approach provides greater certainty for our client and we look forward to playing our role in creating a vibrant new destination for the local community and for visitors to London.”
