First look: Native Land reworks office tower at £2.5bn Bankside scheme

Developer Native Land has submitted fresh plans for a 110,000 sq ft office tower at its Bankside Yards regeneration scheme, SE1. The new proposals will see the second-largest office at the project, called Building 9, rise to 13 storeys – a significant revision on an existing 2014 consent for an eight-storey block on the site. It will mean expanding the building’s office floorspace from 65,000 sq ft to 110,000 sq ft, as part of a push to increase capacity at the £2.5bn project in south London. The 1.4m sq ft scheme is to be the UK’s first major regeneration project with zero emissions in operation. The developer unveiled its sustainability strategy for the scheme earlier this year, which aims to provide the mixed-use development with a low-temperature, all-electric energy network. Building 9 is being targeted towards smaller businesses in the creative, media and technology industries, and will include 10,763 sq ft of affordable workspace, two-thirds more than the previously consented scheme. There will also be around 7,000 sq ft of flexible office space at ground level, and space for 300 cycles. It will include all-electric building systems, a reworked facade to reduce heat loss and a structure made of post-tensioned concrete, designed to minimise embodied carbon. Jay Squier, director of mixed-use and commercial developments at Native Land, said Building 9 would meet pent-up demand in the South Bank market for high-quality workspace. “As a leading South Bank developer, we have an acute understanding of the area, which has become a location of choice for media, creative, technology and professional businesses of all sizes. Building 9’s offer to smaller businesses will complement our nearby Arbor building which is designed for larger corporate users.” What is Bankside Yards? The scheme, which is a joint venture between Native Land, Amcorp Properties Berhad, HPL and Temasek, is intended to connect the South Bank and Bankside areas. It will include more than 350,000 sq ft of offices, 50,000 sq ft of amenities, bars, restaurants and cultural space, and a five-star urban resort hotel. The development will also include more than 700 flats, including homes for private sale and rent, on-site affordable housing and a financial contribution of at least £65m to Southwark Council to deliver new housing across the borough. Designed by PLP Architecture, construction at the scheme began in October 2019. The first building, the 223,000 sq ft Arbor office building, is due for completion in mid-2022. To send feedback, e-mail alex.daniel@eg.co.uk or tweet @alexmdaniel or @EGPropertyNews Images courtesy of PR/Native Land