Tower 42, London
Tower 42 is an iconic building in the heart of the City of London. A striking modernist skyscraper, the first in the City, designed by Richard Seifert and thriving as the centrepiece of a 2.4-acre Estate of first-class office space and amenities.
Completed in 1981 as London’s pioneering high-rise landmark and multistorey office complex for NatWest Bank, it now serves as the operational hub for a diverse community of over 70 international companies and 4,000 members of staff across 30,000 m2 of net office space and 42 floors. Look around the Tower and you’ll see new buildings springing up in place of old.
Working with engineers L&P Group, CBRE Project Management and managing agent BNP Paribas, the current owners deliberately chose a different path, identifying ways to upgrade and retrofit Tower 42, rather than demolish and rebuild.
- Engineering
- Sustainability
The project is based on a clear ESG plan to focus building investment to deliver prioritised improvements. To target operational carbon, whole life carbon, building efficiency, and areas of social governance. Commencing with addressing energy sources to improve EPC, efficiency, net zero carbon emissions. Sequential strategic change to central plant and tenant fit out to match the ESG strategy. Extending to releasing space for end of trip, reception and public space. Concluding with management systems to maintain and constantly monitor and improve ESG delivery.
The ambition is to preserve and celebrate the building’s heritage, not destroy it. Designed by one of London’s most revered brutalist architects, opened by Queen Elizabeth II and named as one of her favourite buildings during the 2022 Platinum Jubilee celebrations, the owners are proud to be custodians of such a unique jewel in the city’s skyline.
The project represented a significant investment in Tower 42, and a demonstration of the owner’s dedication to the Estate. And it will future-proof London’s original skyscraper for decades to come.
The project is part of an ongoing plan with phases of completion. Presently the introduction of a new HV/LV main electrical distribution, replacement ASHP and Hot Water Systems are complete. Historic plant risers and plant spaces have been cleared of historic plant. Typical service free lift cores have been created at L31 with new decorations have been created to provide a vision for the new ESG facilities. Typical tenancies have been created matching the new design criteria. EOT and reception areas are under construction. Tower 42 is a unique example of a high rise building that has addressed the issues of an ESG plan and now challenges its peers in the City of London.