Kajima’s Orwell House refurb gets the go-ahead

Kajima has received the go-ahead from Westminster City Council for the partial refurbishment and extension of Orwell House, 18 Berners Street, W1. The property investor, developer and asset manager says it plans to upgrade the 24,600 sq ft building in the heart of Fitzrovia into 35,000 sq ft of best-in-class offices. As part of the refurbishment the building, which is designed by Gibson Thornley Architects in conjunction with sustainability specialist Max Fordham, will retain around 70% of the existing floor space in a bid to reduce embodied carbon. The extension will be made of reclaimed steel where possible. The refurbishment is due to be completed in 2025. Kajima investment director Tim James said: “This is a great example of how we can seek to adapt older, inefficient buildings to meet the evolving requirements of local, national and global occupiers whilst rigorously interrogating construction and supply chain principles to ensure we meet our ambitious sustainability targets.” Gibson Thornley director Ben Gibson said: “The existing building is often the most sustainable one, but in many cases, to fulfil long-term plans, spatial and environmental interventions are required. “This ambitious refurbishment and extension project will reduce embodied and operational carbon while optimising occupant wellbeing and enhancing the Fitzrovia streetscape to provide an exemplary commercial retrofit development.” See more planning information for Westminster>> To send feedback, e-mail chante.bohitige@eg.co.uk or tweet @bohitige or @EGPropertyNews Image © Gibson Thornley Architects