British Land and Blackstone achieve planning consent for refurbishment of 199 Bishopsgate (UK)

Bluebutton Properties, British Land and Blackstone Group's joint venture company, today announced that it has achieved planning consent for the major refurbishment of 199 Bishopsgate in the City of London. The scheme, which is due for completion at the end of next year, will deliver approx. 13,200 m² of high-quality office accommodation.

Located opposite Broadgate's newest buildings, 201 Bishopsgate and The Broadgate Tower, the refurbishment is part of the joint venture's on-going strategy of investing in Broadgate to continue to provide modern world-class accommodation in the City's premier London office estate.

Nigel Webb, Head of Development at British Land, said: "Scheduled for completion at a time when we expect high-quality office space in the City to be severely constrained, this is an exciting opportunity to upgrade 199 Bishopsgate and to incorporate the latest innovations in terms of sustainability."

Designed by John Robertson Architects, the refurbishment will substantially increase the operational lifespan and sustainability of the building. Targeted to achieve a BREEAM 'Excellent' rating, the design solution will upgrade the building from an Energy Performance Rating of E to a B, with a potential reduction in CO2 emissions of 60% compared with current performance.

Further measures taken to meet stringent environmental targets for the refurbishment include increased insulation, re-use of the building's structure and of materials wherever possible, reductions in water consumption and waste, and new bicycle storage and showers for 70 cyclists. A new brown roof will also be introduced to increase biodiversity on the site. All new materials have been specified in accordance with the 'Green Guide' set by advisory body BRE, whilst 97% of strip out and 90% of construction waste will be re-used or recycled

To enhance the profile, the main entrance will be relocated to provide a prominent and contemporary double height reception, fronting on to Bishopsgate, whilst a retail unit will enliven the building's onto Primrose Street frontage. Internally the office floorplates and cores will be reconfigured to improve the layout, efficiency and flexibility of the space.

Festus Moffat, Director of John Robertson Architects concludes: "We are delighted to get consent for the refurbishment of 199 Bishopsgate. Working with British Land and Blackstone, this project gives us the opportunity to demonstrate the fundamental qualities of the building and to undertake to meet the highest levels of sustainability."

Source: FD

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