Our Patch march 2017
GOING UP IN HAMMERSMITH
A stunning new £ 275m town centre scheme aims to create ‘ a sense of place ’ from the rubble of an anonymous office block . Tim Harrison looks at this and other projects bringing new life and jobs to the area
An imposing new building is rising from the rubble of an old Hammersmith block . The bulldozers have flattened Bechtel House , on the gyratory , with the replacement building being trumpeted as ‘ a significant piece of architecture ’.
The architects who have dreamed up the new construction are aiming to create a sequence of outdoor spaces connecting the building to its main entrance in Hammersmith Road .
Mark Kowal , a partner at Sheppard Robson , told Our Patch : “ The ambition and drive behind this project is to create a significant piece of contemporary architecture and a sense of place that responds to the adjacent Brook Green conservation area while also helping embed this new development within its surroundings .”
WHAT IS PLANNED ? The new 12-storey building ( including basements ) replaces the former UK headquarters of the US construction giant Bechtel .
There is 250,000 sq ft of space , mainly office but with some retail , with the new building valued at £ 275m .
Rather than being a single structure like the old Bechtel House , Sheppard Robson ’ s design reduces the mass by forming the building from two parallel wings connected by a central core , housing circulation space and services .
It is stepped back from the street , creating a new landscaped area at the front . This will lead through to a landscaped podium garden , and a funicular lift .
The office space will accommodate
4 / 5 up to 29 tenants and 2,500 new jobs , with a ground-floor business lounge and café open to the public . Anodised aluminium window surrounds are capable of responding to changing light levels during the day .
Simon Wilkes from developer Legal & General said : “ It will set a new standard for the area , creating a modern working environment , a new green space , restaurants and cafes . This will benefit Hammersmith and further drive interest in this prominent part of London .”
It will set a new standard for the area , with a modern working environment , green space , restaurants and cafes
As part of the planning agreement with Hammersmith & Fulham Council , local people will be trained and employed on site . Although it is early days , several companies have registered interest in moving in .
Demolition of the old structure is being done by the Erith Group , while the building will be undertaken by Lendlease .
Mark Kowal from the architects ’ firm added : “ Through rethinking the form of the building we have created a sequence of outdoor spaces that connect the building to Hammersmith Road as well as unlocking the potential of the central garden space which is currently underused .
“ These series of external spaces will also accommodate surrounding buildings , linking them and thereby cementing this sense of place .”
Artist ’ s impressions of 245 Hammersmith Road