One Chapel Place

The future of One Chapel Place

One Chapel Place:  A sustainable solution for London’s growing workforce

1. The Oxford Street District is going through a period of significant change

2. The immediate environment surrounding One Chapel Place and St Peter’s Church is poor and uninviting.

3. The existing 4,039 sq m accommodation will be obsolete when the current tenants leave in 2028.

4. The site is one of a limited number of opportunities capable of providing additional exceptional office accommodation with excellent public transport links in the Central Activities Zone in Central London. 

Doing nothing is not an option

In response to the climate emergency, the project team have a duty to optimise the potential of this extremely scarce resource by identifying and progressing the most appropriate sustainable development solution for the long term future of this neglected pocket behind Oxford Street.

The project team’s first approach is always to seek to re-use the existing buildings on the site.  In this case, analysis concluded that (per sqm), the levels of embodied carbon for a part refurbish and part new build (639 kgco2/sqm) were comparable to a complete new building (705 kgco2/sqm).

When the 60-year lifespan, and operational efficiency of the proposed new building was taken into account, an ambitiously designed new build scheme resulted in a lower carbon outcome (1242 kgco2/sqm) when compared to a retrofit and extension scheme (1307 kgco2/sqm). 

New build, reclaim and recycle can be “greener”

Detailed development optioneering has concluded that, in this instance, rather than a retrofit of the existing buildings, a new build, reclaim and recycle scheme is the most sustainable solution for this site and is capable of delivering:

Exemplary architecture

High quality office and commercial space

All Greater London Authority (GLA) and Westminster City Council’s (WCC) sustainability requirements.

Delivering a circular development into the Westminster economy

Designed for longevity and future flexibility

Very low energy in operation, meeting with UKGBC net zero targets and BREEAM Outstanding, WELL platinum and a NABERS accreditation standard,

Low carbon in development with a significant recycled content

The proposed 8,583 sq m eleven storey building will be a highly sustainable, exemplar office building to meet the area’s future commercial needs, as identified in Westminster’s City Development Plan. This all-electric building includes efficient mechanical systems, extensive urban greening, and 110 cycle parking spaces with exemplar end of journey facilities. 

The design and construction will adopt sustainable practices and re use elements of the existing buildings: 

The existing facades are to be dismantled, reused and reimagined within the new envelope 
We are keeping the existing basement (where most of the embodied carbon is located)
During construction using a steel superstructure with 30% recycled content 
During construction using concrete with 50% recycled content 
Using concrete content in the superstructure and façade which will remove 750 tonnes of CO2e (est.) during the lifetime of the building;
Using a ‘modular façade system’ meaning the building can adapt to future needs without requiring major construction work.
Using a” 85% fresh air” VAV ventilation system which will save over 600 tonnes of carbon during use.

And unlock significant public benefits

The proposals seek to transform 3,544 sq m of existing poor public realm and public highway by providing a new highly crafted and beautiful setting to the Grade I Listed Church, removing street clutter and creating much needed green landscaped respite space moments from Oxford Street. 

A new 304 sq m fully accessible public roof garden is proposed on the 10th floor of the new building to allow residents, workers and visitors alike free access to amenity, respite and commanding views over the Conservation Area and Regents Park.

When in operation, the new building will create circa 351 direct and 155 indirect jobs, with a direct annual spend of £912,600 per annum – a net increase of 181 jobs and £442,000 per annum compared to the existing accommodation.

New build, reclaim and recycle is the appropriate long term solution for this site

In short, One Chapel Place is not just a new office building, it’s a game-changer. Our proposals: 

optimise site capacity
are of an appropriate form and scale
respond to local character
achieve the highest standards of architecture, sustainability and inclusive design 
enhance the public realm
provide for green infrastructure and 
respect the historic environment.

You can find out more about the detail of the proposals and how the project team arrived at the design for One Chapel Place in this website.

The planning application submission is available on Westminster City Council’s planning portal reference number 23/01622/FULL. – click here

If you have any questions about this or need anything clarified please do get in touch by emailing ltatton@conciliocomms.com or calling 0800 994 9322