Net zero carbon will be targeted for the scheme along with the highest BREEAM and WELL certifications. The future wellbeing of office workers will be prioritised by extending the workspace outdoors with external terraces and balconies, which give greater access to fresh air provided by the new green spaces and natural light.
Central to the new designs is the opening up of a currently closed-off site in an incredibly popular part of London by significantly improving the public realm through two new public squares, an active ground floor and a number of public walkways.
New green spaces that boost biodiversity and reduce CO² will be emphasised, particularly on the riverside ground level, as well as on the public rooftop terrace overlooking the Thames.
On the public-facing ground floor will be a new arts and culture innovation hub and new riverside cafes and restaurants. The hub will provide affordable workspace and new cultural opportunities such as immersive gallery and performance spaces, outdoor screenings and presentation spaces with a river-front presence, and digital suites and studios for cultural production. These will all provide new jobs and skills for the local economy whilst complementing the existing cultural offering on the South Bank.
ITV sold 72 Upper Ground to Mitsubishi Estate in November 2019 with an existing planning permission to redevelop the site. The new proposals will be no taller than the consented scheme and the 13-storey riverfront building is designed to be deferential to the listed, adjacent IBM Building and National Theatre.
The new proposals have been revealed in advance of a public consultation to be held on Saturday 27 February at 12pm and Monday 1 March at 6:30pm.
The public can register for events here: https://www.givemyview.com/72upperground/news/
Preview Meanwhile Space
PREVIEW is the meanwhile programme for 72 Upper Ground, running through to mid-2021. The programme provides socially distanced studio and office spaces to a range of occupiers, big and small, including international film production companies and artist studios under Proposition Studios, and Lambeth-based creative organisations: Young Creators, Black Cultural Archives and Iconic Steps.
Frank Filskow at Make, said: “Within the heights established by the site’s previous planning consent this proposal introduces extensive public open space and cultural uses alongside sustainable workplace designed to enhance the wellbeing of workers.
“The provision of extensive opening windows, naturally ventilated facades and roof terraces and gardens at every level, will give people access to nature, fresh air and outside space throughout the working day. The mix of uses includes affordable workplace, a cultural and innovation centre for showcasing smaller scale creative industries for the production and performance of the creative arts, and further riverfront restaurants cafes and bars as well as a public rooftop terrace overlooking the Thames. 40% of the site will be public realm to include two new squares, and extensive soft landscaping to bring greater biodiversity to the South Bank.
“As well as providing a healthy and flexible workplace and a positive contribution to community and culture, the design team are targeting a net zero carbon building. The development leads with an ‘all-electric’ building concept that eliminates the use of fossil fuels, and prioritises passive cooling systems and natural ventilation. When the building’s all-electric low energy systems are combined with a renewable energy source, this enables the building to be net zero in operation.
“The building also has a strong focus on minimising “embodied” carbon. An innovative low carbon ‘tree column’ superstructure reduces the weight of steel in the building and the selection of materials has been made based on their carbon footprint and to reduce weight – for example, removing aluminium cladding panels. The reduction in embodied carbon is supported with further project carbon offsets to set the path towards net zero embodied carbon.”
Stephen Black at CO—RE, said: “72 Upper Ground has the potential to give a real boost to the South Bank, bringing new jobs, investment, and cultural spaces to one of London’s most famous landmarks. We look forward to presenting our vision of this amazing location to the local community, including new open spaces, public routes, retail uses and arts and cultural offerings. We are confident that this is a scheme that encompasses the very best of the South Bank and complements the existing area.”
Yuichiro Shioda at Mitsubishi Estate, said: “It is absolutely vital to us that we share and discuss our plans with the people that make up the South Bank community. Understanding their views will be crucial to making sure that this new building can be a place that the community can enjoy, and that local businesses can reap the rewards from increased footfall during this difficult time.”
