British Land has unveiled plans to redevelop Euston Tower and create “pioneering, modern, net zero workspace for cutting-edge businesses of all sizes”, including new lab-enabled spaces.
The developer is currently discussing its vision for the building with Camden Council and other local stakeholders, and said the redevelopment would “lead the way in low carbon retrofit and construction techniques” through an “innovative combination of retention, re-use and an ultra-low carbon new structure”.
Danish architecture practice 3XN is leading the design of the tower and will be supported by London-based architecture and landscape studio DSDHA, which re-designed much of Broadgate’s public realm. The team have drawn up plans to retain elements of the original tower, including the foundations, basement and core, while “transforming the building and surrounding area into a welcoming, accessible and creative new space”.
David Lockyer, head of development at British Land, said: “This is a unique opportunity to transform a London landmark desperately in need of revival, ensuring it is fit for the future by adopting cutting edge sustainability practices and attracting leading life sciences and innovation occupiers where it currently lies vacant.
“We’re committed to a comprehensive and transparent approach to sustainability, working closely with the London Borough of Camden and other key stakeholders to reimagine this office tower. The desire to retain, re-use and recycle as much of the building fabric as possible while creating high quality, flexible and sustainable workspaces is a blueprint for other projects facing similar challenges.”
Audun Opdal, senior partner and head of design at 3XN, added: “We are proud to work on this highly progressive project and feel our proposals will transform the disused Euston Tower into a beautifully designed, sustainable new building, delivering workspaces for the future and accessible and inclusive spaces for neighbouring communities.
“Working with our innovation unit GXN, we will reuse and recycle materials throughout the development, and ultimately reach net zero at completion and in operation. As such, we have developed a guiding hierarchy for how we find the best place for any elements that are removed from the existing structure.
“Where we cannot retain materials in situ we are developing innovative methodologies for recycling and upcycling, working closely with research institutes to further this. Architecturally this will be a new breed of tall building, one that minimises operational energy use through passive design, reducing solar gain with less glazing and increased façade depth.”
Deborah Saunt, director at DSDHA, said: “The Euston Tower and Regents Place Plaza offers huge potential to create a meaningful new place of pause and relaxation amidst the bustle of the city. On an urban scale it acts as a key gateway to Camden’s West End for those approaching from the north, and conversely beckons people up to Hampstead and Camden Town when travelling from the south.
“As a fulcrum between different districts of the city, it offers a critical opportunity to enhance biodiversity and encourage wellbeing, continuing the great work that has already begun on the estate, and we look forward to developing a public realm vision in collaboration with local communities and stakeholders.”
The project team, led by British Land, is currently seeking feedback from local people, community groups and businesses to help inform detailed aspects of the design. Subject to community consultation and discussions with members and officers at Camden Council, British Land hopes to submit a planning application for Euston Tower towards the end of this year.
