The Bailey is a remarkable refurbishment project that brings together a historic Grade II listed building and a modern extension into a unified, state-of-the-art office space totalling 115,000 sq ft.
Situated in the heart of the City of London, The Bailey comprises the original offices of the Chatham and Dover Railway Company, built in 1912, and an extension completed in 1999. This extensive remodelling project aimed to enhance the building’s functionality and appeal while preserving its historic character.
Project Highlights:
Unified Floor Plate
The primary design strategy involved relocating the main lift and stair core to the centre of the plan, transforming two separate office wings into a single, cohesive floor plate. This innovation increased the usable floor area by infilling a redundant atrium and adding two new floors.
Enhanced Reception Area
The reception area has been transformed into a double-height space, embodying a contemporary take on the elegance of the Grade II listed Edwardian baroque façade. A prominent helical staircase leads to end-of-journey facilities on the lower ground floor. The use of light grey terrazzo with brass detailing and Portland stone, alongside informal meeting spaces with oak joinery and soft seating, create a welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of a hotel lobby.
Outdoor Terraces
The project features nine landscaped outdoor terraces, offering impressive views towards the City of London and enhancing the overall quality of the workspace.
Sustainability and Carbon Reduction
The refurbishment retained 92% of the original structure, including foundations, and 74% of the existing 1990’s double-glazed unitised cladding. This careful preservation significantly reduced embodied carbon emissions compared to a new build. A static assessment completed in 2022 demonstrated a final impact of 730 kg CO2e/sqm GIA, achieving a LETI B rating.
Cladding Assessment
Partnering with cladding consultants Cladtech, we determined that only small areas of new façade were needed, leading to significant embodied carbon savings. German cladding specialist Dobler-MBM replicated the original design, ensuring a seamless final product.
Collaboration and Execution
Our close collaboration with Endurance Land ensured a focus on creating high-quality environments that promote a healthy workspace. Strategic investment of both financial and carbon budgets was key to delivering maximum benefits.
The refurbished 16 Old Bailey has attracted high-profile occupiers, including IPG Mediabrands, who pre-let much of the building.
The Bailey exemplifies how thoughtful refurbishment and modern intervention can revitalise a historic building, ensuring it meets contemporary standards while preserving its heritage
The project won a 2022 Architects’ Journal Architecture Award in the Workplace category.
The Bailey is a remarkable refurbishment project that brings together a historic Grade II listed building and a modern extension into a unified, state-of-the-art office space totalling 115,000 sq ft.
Situated in the heart of the City of London, The Bailey comprises the original offices of the Chatham and Dover Railway Company, built in 1912, and an extension completed in 1999. This extensive remodelling project aimed to enhance the building’s functionality and appeal while preserving its historic character.
Project Highlights:
Unified Floor Plate
The primary design strategy involved relocating the main lift and stair core to the centre of the plan, transforming two separate office wings into a single, cohesive floor plate. This innovation increased the usable floor area by infilling a redundant atrium and adding two new floors.
Enhanced Reception Area
The reception area has been transformed into a double-height space, embodying a contemporary take on the elegance of the Grade II listed Edwardian baroque façade. A prominent helical staircase leads to end-of-journey facilities on the lower ground floor. The use of light grey terrazzo with brass detailing and Portland stone, alongside informal meeting spaces with oak joinery and soft seating, create a welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of a hotel lobby.
Outdoor Terraces
The project features nine landscaped outdoor terraces, offering impressive views towards the City of London and enhancing the overall quality of the workspace.
Sustainability and Carbon Reduction
The refurbishment retained 92% of the original structure, including foundations, and 74% of the existing 1990’s double-glazed unitised cladding. This careful preservation significantly reduced embodied carbon emissions compared to a new build. A static assessment completed in 2022 demonstrated a final impact of 730 kg CO2e/sqm GIA, achieving a LETI B rating.
Cladding Assessment
Partnering with cladding consultants Cladtech, we determined that only small areas of new façade were needed, leading to significant embodied carbon savings. German cladding specialist Dobler-MBM replicated the original design, ensuring a seamless final product.
Collaboration and Execution
Our close collaboration with Endurance Land ensured a focus on creating high-quality environments that promote a healthy workspace. Strategic investment of both financial and carbon budgets was key to delivering maximum benefits.
The refurbished 16 Old Bailey has attracted high-profile occupiers, including IPG Mediabrands, who pre-let much of the building.
The Bailey exemplifies how thoughtful refurbishment and modern intervention can revitalise a historic building, ensuring it meets contemporary standards while preserving its heritage
The project won a 2022 Architects’ Journal Architecture Award in the Workplace category.