GRAHAM has won the contract to refurbish Laser House, a former printing press and gin distillery in London’s Clerkenwell that is being redeveloped by General Projects to provide almost 88,000 sq ft of office space.
Located near the Barbican, Laser House will be refurbished to provide office floor space across the ground and four upper levels with provision of four SME starter units at lower ground floor. The building will be largely retained, with only partial demolition of the structure and construction of extensions to the existing building fronting Goswell Road and Pear Tree Street with plant enclosures above.
Works are to include external alterations to the facades, windows, doors, improvements and upgrades to the office accommodation internally, provision of cycle storage, shower and changing facilities, waste and recycling facilities in addition to updated access arrangements and ancillary works.
The area has undergone incremental development over several generations, resulting in a varied character with the surrounding environment growing into a mixed commercial / residential setting. The redevelopment will repurpose the site from its original 1960s use into a versatile, modern space fit for multiple tenancy.
Founder and CEO of General Projects, Jacob Loftus said: “We’re delighted to be working with GRAHAM to deliver this sustainable-led re-use project. The innovative use of cross laminated timber and recycled bricks will establish a new benchmark in the responsible reinvention of buildings”
GRAHAM’s London office director, Rob Joyce said: “We’re excited to be working with General Projects who have an excellent reputation for repurposing sites with heritage and bringing them back to use while supporting the wider community. This development will provide essential space to the increasing number of businesses based in the borough and we have the best team in place to take this project through to completion when we start on site later this year.”
