General Projects has completed a 175,000 sq ft restoration in central London, backed by private equity real estate group Henderson Park

General Projects completes PE-backed restoration of former Woolworths HQ



General Projects has completed a 175,000 sq ft restoration in central London, backed by private equity real estate group Henderson Park.


The pair have comprehensively restored the former Woolworths headquarters at 242 Marylebone Road, creating a large commercial hub called Metropolis.

The refurbished nine-storey building now has a seven-storey stepped extension at the rear, designed by Architect Alford Hall Monaghan Morris, which has increased internal floor space by 40%.

Metropolis has already achieved a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating and will be operationally net zero, exclusively using REGO-certified renewable energy.

Smart technology has been introduced across the building to help optimise and improve indoor air quality.

The site has also been designed to include over 20,000 sq ft of amenity space, including terraces, a gym, and multi-function event spaces.

“Metropolis is a building we’re incredibly proud of. It’s a bold reimagining of a mid-century icon that had lost its purpose,” said Jacob Loftus, CEO at General Projects.

“Rather than demolish and start over, we saw the potential to breathe new life into a piece of London’s architectural heritage in a way that was both environmentally responsible and deeply relevant to how people want to work now and into the future.”

Christophe Kuhbier, head of investments (Europe) at Henderson Park, added: “This is an important milestone in the transformation of an iconic London office asset and exemplar piece of architecture, which has been updated and extended to create a best-in-class modern workspace.

“This builds on our strong track record of converting existing assets into highly sustainable offices, which includes Los Cubos in Madrid and Athene Place in London.”

 



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