Paddington is fast becoming the new King’s Cross as a refurbished office directly opposite the new Crossrail entrance is named Best Recycled Workplace in prestigious regional awards
The British Council of Offices has awarded 20 Eastbourne Terrace the title of Best Recycled Workplace at the BCO Regional property sector awards, which celebrates excellence in office space.
Richard Kauntze, Chief Executive of the BCO, commented: “Awarded for their high-quality construction, striking design or robust flexibility, this year’s London winners showcase the best that the capital has to offer in premium workspace, and continues to strengthen London’s position as the business capital of Europe.”
The news is the latest development suggesting that Paddington is being primed for regeneration in the vein of King’s Cross. Luxurious apartment blocks are springing up at Parker House ,and Goldschmidt & Howland recently opened an outpost in the area.
With strong rail links close by, including the immanent arrival of Crossrail next door, the modern office space is in an area that’s on the up and has its roots firmly steeped in a legacy of innovation stretching back to industrialist engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel and scientist Alexander Fleming.
20 Eastbourne Terrace is no stranger to progress.Fletcher Priest Architects redesign of the 1960s Paddington building is grounded on those very same principles of creativity, ambition and innovation.
The floor area was increased by reorganising the staircase and core of the building, adding an additional extension to the floorplates. Where there were previously low floor to ceiling heights, office workers can now enjoy expansive vistas of the surrounding area..
In the vein of Silicon Valley and swish Manhattan offices the likes of Facebook, Apple and Google occupy, the redesign offers 93,000 sq ft of flexible working space, coffee culture café hubs and collaborative spaces for start up creatives to meet. A communal roof terrace is the cherry on top of the 16 storey building, overlooking the busy city below.
The working environment was approached in a holistic sense, using light to promote health and wellbeing and inspire productivity. Double storey windows maximise the natural light in the reception area while exposed surfaces are integrated to maximise the area. The project is expected to achieve a ‘B’ EPC rating through its intelligent design features such as inviting staircases.
Judging chairman Nick Searl of Argent said: “The entrants and winners of this, the inaugural London-only BCO awards, have set a very high benchmark for the region, utilising efficiency, flair and creative design to showcase an extraordinary breadth of talent within the UK’s commercial property sector.
“The high-quality and variety of workspace on display highlights London’s continued leadership in this fast evolving sector, responding to the ever more challenging demands of its customers and serving as a gold standard for future occupiers and developers in the capital and beyond.”
The Paddington building was be honoured today at the awards ceremony along with five other workplace winners in the capital. The winners will go on to compete at the National Awards which take place in October.
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