London-based architecture practice Barr Gazetas has received planning permission and listed building consent from Camden Council for the transformation of the former European headquarters of The Kodak Company at 65 Kingsway, for client Clearbell Capital LLP.
The building was originally designed by Sir John Burnet and Partners and was London’s first purpose-built open plan office block, inspired by architect John James Burnet’s experiences of similar blocks in Chicago and New York.
This heritage-led project, comprising the comprehensive modernisation of the Edwardian office block, will provide 70,440 square feet of commercial space across seven floors. Despite its Grade II listing, the building had been insensitively re-modelled over the years, creating compromised spaces that have remained vacant for some time.
Barr Gazetas’ design revitalises the building, creating a new primary entrance on Keely Street with a reworked circulation that allows Burnet’s historic open plan layout to be reinstated
Plans also include the restoration of original ceilings and balustrading, as well as provision of a new roof terrace, and the installation of bike storage and showers in the basement.
This prominent building is one of the imposing historic office blocks that give Kingsway its eclectic character and we are grateful to have the opportunity to restore its neo-classical grandeur to the streetscape while at the same time retrofitting it and refurbishing it to meet 21th Century demands.
The scheme will be WiredScore, Breeam and WELL accredited.
Work is scheduled to commence on site this summer.
The project team includes Savills as a planning consultant, structural engineer Heyne Tillett Steel, M&E engineer Watkins Payne, and heritage consultant Bidwells.