The Crown Estate has let 30,000 sq ft to the Government of Ireland at its refurbished 10 Spring Gardens development in the heart of St James’s.
The government will occupy space on the first, sixth, seventh, eighth and part of the ground floors at the new Ireland House London.
The circa 80,000 sq ft building will be fitted with PV panels, air source heat pumps and energy-efficient glazing as part of the refurbishment, which is already underway and expected to complete in 2025. Around 90% of the building’s structure and façade will be retained, minimising the use of new raw materials.
The Crown Estate is targeting a NABERS 5* rating, EPC A and BREEAM Excellent, as well as a WELL (enabled) Gold certification and Wiredscore Gold certification.
Simon-Harding Roots, managing director for London at The Crown Estate, said: “10 Spring Gardens is a fitting new location for the Embassy of Ireland and Irish state agencies. With views over the historic St James’s Park and centrally located beside Trafalgar Square and Whitehall , this is one of our most striking and sustainable refurbishment projects to date, and speaks to the ambitions for the British Irish relationship.
“The establishment of this new relationship between the Government of Ireland and The Crown Estate clearly demonstrates the high demand for quality workspace in the West End, as the London market continues to evolve and strengthen.”
Martin Fraser, the Irish ambassador, added: “London is home to Ireland’s biggest bilateral embassy in the world. Building on commitments in the Programme for Government, Ireland House London will bring together the embassy of Ireland with our state agencies and our citizen services for the first time. It will also amplify the considerable ‘Team Ireland’ presence in London and act as a convening and welcoming space for the Irish community, friends of Ireland and key political, business, cultural and other stakeholders.
“It is an investment that reflects the importance of further deepening the relationship with our nearest neighbour. It recognises the importance of this market as one of Ireland’s largest trade and investment partners.”
McLaren Construction Group and ORMS have been appointed as construction partner and architect for the 10 Spring Gardens project.
