This project comprised transformation of the basement, ground, first and second floors of this Grade II listed building at 99 Kensington High Street, together with facade repairs and restoration.

We stripped the floors back to their shells to give them a total refurbishment, creating around 2,500 sq m of office new space as well as fresh retail accommodation. The scope of works included stripping out retail units and refitting to whitebox standard for incoming tenants, and creation of new office spaces on the upper floors, fitted out to CAT A standard with new suspended ceiling, new raised floor, toilets and new M&E services, including heating / cooling systems which provide “greener” energy solutions.

Additional works included replacement of goods lifts, removal of current tenant staircases and lifts, and alterations to the existing lift core to serve the new office units. We also created a new shower and changing facility at first floor.

Externally, we created new cycle parking at grade and carried out repairs to the facade. This required scaffolding to provide access for stone cleaning, window repairs and restoration. As the scaffolding was over a pavement, we created a crash decked gantry, where pedestrians could safely walk beneath so as to minimise disruption to the local community.

The scaffold also provided access to the upper floors, with various windows removed for material and waste transfer. Openings were infilled and secured at the end of each shift, and made good upon completion.

The existing building was listed, requiring English Heritage approval prior to works commencing. To aid the process, we carried out a number of surveys on the building and provided control samples for approval.

With the building already occupied, we worked hard to ensure that the work was been carried out efficiently and in stages to avoid disruption to other tenants and their equally illustrious neighbours. This included a presentation to stakeholders prior to works starting, to let them know our plans (particularly our phasing approach to the lift alterations and amendments to fire escape plans) and discuss any concerns they had.

With Kensington Roof Gardens on the top floor and the building also home to Sony Music’s London head office, its new occupiers will be in very good company.