Works began in September 2024 under a pre-construction services agreement. McLaren has now signed the main contract with real estate developer client Helical.
The project will involve modernising the interior and creating 613 sq m of usable roof space.
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McLaren will also restore the original facade, including at ground level on Lancaster Place, where the building faces Somerset House on the approach to Waterloo Bridge.
Missing details, such as the bronze lanterns that marked the main entrance, will be recreated, and the service louvres and grilles on Savoy Street will be covered by decorative openwork grilles.
McLaren's supply chain partners in the project
- Steel and concrete: Deconstruct
- Piping, unistrut and brackets: Grant Walker Engineering
- Insulation, VCL membrane and plasterboard: David Andrews
- Lifts: Kone
- Window frames and glazed units: Propak
- Window frames and glazed units: Crittall
- Scaffolding: GKR
- Stone: PAYE
- Block and windposts: Swift Brickwork
The 12,000 sq m of office space will be refurbished to achieve BREEAM Outstanding, NABERS 5*, EPC A and WELL Platinum sustainability ratings.
The basement will be modernised to reduce car parking and provide cycle storage spaces. Building services and glazing will be replaced and upgraded.
Art Deco icon
Brettenham House was built in 1932 as an office development and is recognised as an unlisted building of merit within the Savoy Conservation Area.
The building retains many of its original features, including its art deco marble staircases. However, alterations over the years have disrupted the historic pattern and details of the facade, especially at ground floor level.
McLaren Construction's managing director for London and south, Darren Gill, said: “This monumental building at the top of Waterloo Bridge will be a familiar landmark to so many of London’s workers and visitors, and we will all enjoy seeing it restored and revitalised.
“It’s not so long ago that it would have seemed like a tall order to bring a 1930s building up to the standards of a brand new office, but that’s become a far more familiar and achievable task.”
Matt Redgrove, senior development executive for Helical, said: “We are very pleased to be partnering with McLaren to revitalise this Art Deco icon.
“Along with sensitively restoring the building, we will be bringing the specification up to modern-day sustainability and amenity standards, with the terracing across the building providing unrivalled views along the River Thames.”
Completion is expected in spring 2026.
