With its low energy use, low-carbon design and strong focus on employee wellbeing, 72 Upper Ground aims to meet or exceed the highest sustainability standards – including BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ and WELL Platinum certifications. The design gives workers access to numerous outside terraces, gardens and balconies from all parts of the building. A 6-storey podium features a large central garden for all users to share and connects two separate blocks: one rising to 25 storeys to the south and a 14-storey block along the riverfront. Over 3,400m2 of planting and green walls – equivalent to 13 tennis courts – will be provided across the site to maximise biodiversity and promote wellbeing.
New public realm amounting to 40% of the site area will provide new pedestrian routes, 2 public squares and more than 30 new trees. The development will include new river-facing restaurants, plus a new rooftop restaurant with a publicly accessible roof terrace offering spectacular views over the River Thames to the City and St Paul’s.
At the development’s heart is a new multi-level cultural and innovation hub called The London Studios, which will provide 40,000ft² of affordable space for grassroots artists and independent producers. A range of spaces will be provided at affordable rates, all tailored to the needs of emerging creative industries through an on-site residency programme featuring Lambeth-based organisations, including Black Cultural Archives, Iconic Steps and Young Creators. Rehearsal spaces, gallery and performance areas, soundproofed studios, and education and training spaces for non-profit organisations are embedded to help break down barriers facing young people looking to enter the creative and tech economy. The proposals have garnered support from the local arts community, including the National Theatre, Lambeth Council, the GLA, and DLUHC, underscoring its alignment with the area’s strategic cultural ambitions.
Frank Filskow, lead architect at Make Architects, said: “We’re delighted that the project is now under construction. This design is all about the South Bank, with its iconic modernist cultural buildings. Our concept follows the ethos of 20th-century modernism but is interpreted for 21st-century needs. This new mixed-use destination will bring together sustainable offices, open spaces, gardens, affordable workspace, and a cultural hub, all within a campus-style complex that will bring life back to this closed-off section of the South Bank.”
Shinichi Kagitomi, CEO of Mitsubishi Estate London, and Stephen Black, Director at CO—RE, jointly commented: “Starting on site marks a major milestone for this landmark development, which will make a significant positive contribution to the South Bank.”
