of
Private equity real estate company Evans Randall Investors has received planning approval for the refurbishment and repositioning of 90 Fetter Lane as a multi-occupier workspace aimed at diverse sectors in London’s Midtown. Evans Randall Investors has worked with John Robertson Architects to create a contemporary refurbishment scheme to meet the growing demand for office space in the 2,500 – 10,000 sq ft range.
The approved plans for 90 Fetter Lane will see the building stripped back to its concrete frame, with a complete overhaul of the outdated building services and cladding that will bring daylight into the building and enable to the project to achieve BREEAM Excellent status. Two additional floors will be added at levels 7 and 8, raising the lettable area of the building from 64,000 sq ft to 76,000 sq ft.
The street presence of the building will be transformed by a double-height glazed reception hall and 3,700 sq ft of retail/café space at ground floor, plus extensive cycle parking at basement level.
John Robertson Architects was appointed as architect for the scheme for its extensive experience in the design of new-build and refurbished Central London workspace. The practice balances design flair, contextual awareness and technical expertise to deliver workplaces that are attractive to occupiers and achieve excellent standards of performance and utility.
The scheme falls in line with Evans Randall Investors’ strategy to reposition tired and out-of-date offices as multi-occupier workspaces suitable for companies in creative, media, technology, professional or financial sectors. This strategy aims to cater to the ever-growing need for midtown office space as more and more occupiers migrate from the West End.
Kent Gardner, Chief Executive of Evans Randall Investors said: “90 Fetter Lane is a great opportunity to reinvent a well located building for an exciting new market. John Robertson Architects ability to provide workplace design alongside their refurbishment expertise is a real asset for this scheme. Following an extensive overhaul and extension, we will make creative interventions into the interiors to create a stylish and stimulating working environment for contemporary occupiers.”
Festus Moffat, Director of John Robertson Architects said: “At 90 Fetter Lane Evans Randall has asked us to replace a tired 1980s office block with a workplace that suits the new demands of business in Midtown. Our design will open up the building with a rational, extensively glazed façade that will bring daylight deep into the interior. The presence of the building on the street will be transformed by new retail uses and a double height entrance hall.’
The building’s former majority tenant, international law firm Bird & Bird LLP, moved to new premises in November this year, allowing Evans Randall to obtain full vacant possession and begin work, with completion targeted for April 2018.”
Nick Myall
News editor