Africa House, at 64-78 Kingsway, was built in 1921, and is being redeveloped by Daejan Investments, part of The Freshwater Group of Companies. BAM is increasing its gross floor area to 15,600 square metres and upgrading it to BREEAM ‘Excellent’. The works will be carried out around existing retail tenants Ladbrokes and Wetherspoons. who will continue to trade.
Mike O’Donohoe, construction manager for BAM in London, said: ‘The building will be stripped entirely apart from the listed areas. The rear wall will be partly demolished and the upper floor plates will be extended. The roof will be demolished and a new storey added.
“‘The core and existing light well will also be demolished to provide a new glazed atrium including scenic lifts. New services, finishings, fixtures, fittings and toilets will be provided throughout. All existing windows will be replaced. Existing stone elevations will be repaired and cleaned. A live electrical substation within the basement will be maintained throughout the programme.
“The development will form new offices arranged over the basement, ground and first to eight floors. It’s a prized location for any London property owner and because of the listed status we will be taking great care of the listed parts of the building.”
BAM has just commenced enabling work on site, with Kevin Sims as project manager leading the construction teams. His previous projects include 10 Old Burlington Street in Mayfair and 100 Cannon Street in the City. Parsons Brinckerhoff is the client’s project managers and contract administrator. Other parties include: quantity surveyor Barrie Tankel Partnership; architect JM Architects; services engineer Watkins Payne Partnership; structural engineer Taylor Whalley Spyra; and CDM co-ordinator CDM Safety Services.
BAM won the contract after a traditional tender process and aims to complete work in early autumn 2012. The project follows recent office buildings in London delivered by BAM such as 55 Baker Street, Unison’s new headquarters at Euston, Webb House on Pentonville Road, and the Angel Building.
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