Centre Point Redevelopment

• Location: Central London, UK
• Client: Almacantar
• Partners: Conran + Partners; MICA Architects; Multiplex
• Year: 2019
• Sector: Buildings |
• Specialisms: Civil Engineering | Geotechnical Engineering | Structural Engineering |

Centre Point is one of the iconic buildings in London. Completed in 1967, and renovated in 2019, this was one of the first skyscrapers in London and reinvented engineering conventions. Pell Frischmann’s heritage is intertwined within Centre Point. As the building’s original structural engineer over 50 years ago, Pell Frischmann conceptualised its height despite clay ground. Although a common technique now, this concept was unheard of in the contemporary period; Centre Point became the first building to use large diameter under-reamed piles, burrowing 50 feet deep to keep it secure.

Bought by Almacantar, the scheme’s use transformed from commercial to a mix of residential (32,000sqm), retail (8,000sqm) and a spacious public realm.

What we did

From a structural engineering company when first built in the 1960s, Pell Frischmann was asked to continue its heritage on Centre Point, working as a now-expanded, multi-disciplinary consultancy to provide Structural, Civil and Geotechnical Engineering.

Centre Point’s structural complexities couple with its highly-urban situated constraints. Dominating the Central London skyline on Tottenham Court Road, it stands directly on London Underground’s Central, Crossrail and Northern tube tunnels. Our expert consultants provided extensive analysis on all parts of the structure, including repair and renovation of its unique load-bearing, precast concrete façade. We were able to advise the client and stakeholders on the opportunities to maximise added value, including change of use and comprehensive renovation. Such examples included preparing a forensic inspection of the existing façade, a detailed repair methodology and monitoring regime thereby achieving an extended and highly sustainable new lease of life. We re-structured the uppermost levels to create habitable living accommodation, all behind the highest ever retained façade and engineered highly constrained foundations for a new affordable accommodation located directly above Crossrail’s newly bored tunnels.

Outcomes

The generous public realm transformation includes the three-storey, double-height glass link bridge, adjoining to nearby Centre Point House, with a greatly improved environment, maximising the space for further retail, eateries and bars. The glass walkway demonstrates the modernisation to the area, allowing improved natural light and a somewhat enclosed space between three sides for a public square.

Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road have transformed. What was once a degenerated part of the city has been redefined; the urban metropolis of east Oxford Street contrasts the west, stretching to the large green of Hyde Park and Kensington Palace. It is the regeneration of Centre Point that is the answer, and Centre Point Tower its symbol.

We’d love to hear from you!

To find out more about Centre Point, please contact us through our form here.