The Challenge:
As part of The Crown Estate’s investment in Regent Street, plans for Morley House, a Grade II listed building constructed in 1924, were brought forward to convert the existing building to provide high quality retail and residential space.
The listed facades were to be retained whilst provide a new core, improving energy efficiency, and helping to meet wider aspirations and modern requirements. The car-free scheme was also sought to deliver 73 cycle parking spaces at basement level.
In line with our Building for a Sustainable World framework our works on this project had to reflect Kier and The Crown Estate’s commitment to sustainability and biodiversity. Proposed works requirements included acoustic isolation due to the Victoria southbound tube tunnel running below the site footprint. The site was also earmarked to be a Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS) Ultra Site, with the team and supply chain expected to exceed in the scheme’s Code of Considerate Practice.
The Solution:
Works included demolition behind a complex retained façade system on a tight footprint. During demolition 225 tonnes of façade retention steelwork was erected and 525 tonnes of steel beams and girders were removed with c. 9000 tonnes of demolition arisings recycled.
Existing stonework façade and shopfronts were carefully removed and stored for reuse while some of the demolition arising’s were used as temporary support kentledge. To meet the footprint restrictions, Cobra steel fabricated bespoke lifting frames were used to reduce manual lifting when manoeuvring steel through the building.
As a CCS Ultra Site, the team was challenged with improving air quality and increasing biodiversity. A carbon offsetting strategy was implemented to deliver a carbon neutral footprint by offsetting deliveries and energy consumption during construction. A 100m2 temporary green wall was installed on the scaffold and hoarding to support biodiversity and was fitted with an automatic irrigation system, including water recirculation. The wall was seeded with species-rich wildflower meadows, attracting bees, other insects and birds, creating a new temporary habitat within a highly urban environment.
The Impact:
The new development provides 1,021m² of high-quality retail space on ground and basement level with 44 new homes for market rent.
Morley House achieves a high level of energy efficiency and makes a positive contribution towards sustainability, renewable energy and biodiversity. In addition to the acoustic isolation works to address the close proximity of the Victoria tube line, ‘Breathe’ panels were also installed along Little Portland Street to absorb NO², SO² and benzene molecules from particles in the air. This enabled the team to measure emissions and offset over 25 tonnes of CO² through tree planting.
Both the client and project teams’ commitment to working with the local community was evident with Morley House achieving the equal highest Considerate Constructors Scheme score ever recorded in London. The project team met the highest standards of the scheme and actively promoted buy in by creating an award system for operatives who went above and beyond for the environment and the local community.
View more projects
Every project we deliver is an opportunity for us to bring our unique thinking to solve problems, innovate and collaborate with our clients and beyond.
The Fulmar
The Fulmar is part of the Greenwich Peninsula Regeneration Scheme, consisting of three residential blocks, comprising 139 flats, surrounding a central landscaped podium courtyard. The blocks range in height from four to 10 storeys, housing 60 apartments for outright sale, 19 for intermediate (shared ownership) and 60 for rent properties.
Project Maia - Infineum
Delivery of a 33,500ft2 Global Centre of Innovation at Infineum’s headquarters in Abingdon; featuring new petrochemical laboratories for research and development into new formulas for fuel additives; collaborative meeting spaces, office accommodation, a new staff restaurant and improved site infrastructure.
Bolanachi Building cladding and fire stopping works
A cladding project delivered using an innovative Gridline System and underpinned by strong resident engagement.
Greenwood Centre
Redevelopment of 25 & 37 Greenwood Place to provide a new 3,600m2 resource and community services centre run by people with disabilities, for people with disabilities. As part of Camden Council’s Community Investment Programme (CIP) it forms a hub for all services that was previously spread across the borough.
South Bank Place multi-utility design project
A short-term central London consultancy project turned into a ground-breaking multi-utility project, moving eight utilities to prepare for a new 800-apartment development, setting the standard in how these projects should be delivered in the capital.
St Albans Place
Constructing an 18-storey, concrete-framed student accommodation block in the centre of Leeds, close to the A64, consisting of 376 studios with communal dining areas, cinema room, gym, coffee lounge and a management suite.
Morley House
The redevelopment of a Grade II listed block on London's Regent Street providing 1,021m² of high-quality retail space on ground and basement level, and 44 new homes for market rent. Achieving the equal highest Considerate Constructors Scheme score ever recorded in London.
Global Student Accommodation (GSA), Exeter
We completed Clifford House, a student housing association project, for Global Student Accommodation (GSA), two weeks early. It’s our second project for GSA and provides state-of-the-art student accommodation for 312 students studying at Exeter University.
Crossrail
Constructing two railway tunnels that run for 6.4km between the Royal Oak portal and the new Farringdon Crossrail station in Central London. Huge scale building of station tunnel caverns at Bond Street, Tottenham Court Road and Farringdon for the new Elizabeth line.
Park Hill
Refurbishing phase three of the derelict, Grade II-listed Park Hill Flats estate to form 356 bedrooms of student accommodation while respecting the identity and integrity of the iconic building.
Tapestry, King’s Cross
Tapestry provides an outstanding collection of one, two and three bedroom apartments, townhouses and penthouses. Set over 10-15 storeys, the 33,000 sq m development integrates extensive public realm and leisure facilities for the residents of the 129 apartments.
3 Sovereign Square
Developing a new, six-storey office building in central Leeds, ensuring the design blended in with the surrounding historic buildings, using lean planning to ensure the smooth running of the project, applying innovative thinking to the build, and achieving an Excellent BREEAM sustainability rating.
5 Pancras Square
One of the most sustainable mixed-use building in the country and winner of the Prime Minister’s Better Public Building award.
Pall Mall, Liverpool
Kier was selected by Liverpool City Council to deliver a new mixed commercial quarter known as Pall Mall, in partnership with CTP.
Reigate Grange Care Home
Creating a three-story luxury care home with a range of amenities and landscaped gardens.
North Middlesex University Hospital
Our North Middlesex University Hospital (NMUH) project was a £53.6 million re-development comprising of 5 separate projects including units for Strokes, HIV, Women’s & Children’s Services, retained estates, infrastructure and external works. We treated each unit as an individual project with its own project team.
Delivering high quality and value for money fire safety works
Deliver a full range of fire safety works annually, including compartmentalisation, warning systems and fire doors across a range of property types with a wide geographical spread.
Parkside Estate: planned maintenance
Delivering a major programme of internal and external planned works for Clarion Housing across 17 high-rise blocks in East London. The programme included kitchen and bathroom updates, mechanical and electrical renewals, roof, brickwork and concrete repairs, groundworks, fire safety and redecorations.
Kier and TfL prove full closures are the future
Kier’s emergency road closure on the A2 proves full closures are the way forward for 2019’s network management programme.
Heron House
Refurbishment of a six-storey vibrant public building in Manchester City Centre, creating over £12.2m of social return on investment.
A13 Road Widening Project
The A13 Road Widening Project is being delivered by Kier on behalf of Thurrock Council. The works include adding an additional lane in both directions between Orsett and Stanford-le-Hope and replacing four bridges. It will support economic growth, reduce congestion and enhance safety.
Bicester Eco Business Centre
The design and construction of a highly sustainable Passivhaus ‘Plus’ 1,400m2 office building. Laid out over three floors to accommodate up to 125 people, providing local office space for individuals and small businesses.
Fire safety delivery and resident liaison
Delivered fire stopping and compartmentalisation to 18 fully occupied tower blocks carrying out works on a strict weekly timetable to minimise disruption to residents.
Diana Princess of Wales Hospital Staff Accommodation
Construction of new staff accommodation at Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital for staff and student nurses
Residential Home Sprinkler Install
A retrofit installation of a fire sprinkler system into 63 one and two bedroom flats and communal spaces in a residential home at Ragallo Place in Kent.
Planned Works Framework
We deliver works to a broad variety of property archetypes, including leasehold properties, purpose-built and conversion flats, terraced, detached and semi-detached houses, estates-based properties, high and low rise blocks, sheltered housing and listed buildings.
Alfred H Knight's Office and Analytical Laboratory
Alfred H Knight is a commodity analysis and mining support specialist who required our design and cost management services to build a new state-of-the-art head office and analytical laboratory.
The Aperture
The Aperture is the first phase of residential buildings on the Greenwich Peninsula. This five storey building comprises of a restaurant and deli on the ground floor, day nursery on the first floor, estate management and a community centre on the second/third floors with a gym on the remaining floors.
The Ogilvie Building
The Ogilvie (formerly known as the Sanger Sequencing Building) provides 4,430m² of flexible laboratory and office space and an integrated energy centre which will feed future developments on the greenfield site.
Stonegate
The Stonegate development will see 113 new homes providing a range of 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom properties.
Waterside Student Residences
A joint venture with Kier Major Projects for the University of Northampton. The project marked the first time Kier had committed to a large-scale Light Gauge Steel (LGS) frame project and is the largest LGS project to date in the UK.
Sheraton Park Student Accommodation
Updating Durham University student accommodation, refurbishing and converting one block and demolishing and rebuilding a second, catering for a mixture of mixture of undergraduates, post-graduates, returning students, and includes a mix of en-suite bedrooms, studios and accessible bedrooms.
Watford Riverwell
Delivering the £450m Watford Riverwell as a 15-20 year joint venture with Watford Borough Council, which involves regenerating 70 acres of land in West Watford to create residential, office, retail, leisure, industrial and hotel space.
Sainsbury Wellcome Centre
A unique, world-class, state of the art neuroscience research institute at University College London.
Slade Green Regeneration
The simultaneous extension and refurbishment of two neighbouring primary schools.
Yr Egin Media and Office Development
Bringing an iconic and sustainable development to the Carmarthen campus of the University of Wales, providing 40,000 sq. ft. of accommodation for for Welsh Media company S4C and the University's new media faculty and offices, and achieving a BREEAM Excellent certificate for sustainability.
Westminster Bridge South Scheme
Easing congestion at this iconic London tourist location by integrating and coordinating pedestrian, cycling and traffic movements; using detailed planning techniques and innovative use of materials to minimise closure locations and durations; and responding quickly to changing security requirements after a terrorist attack just before the work was to begin.
58 Victoria Embankment
Located on the River Thames Embankment, this project involved the demolition of the existing building behind a retained façade and the construction of a new steel framed Cat A office with a concrete basement. Inside the building, being the main feature is the central atrium and 3 scenic glass lifts.
Harris Girls' Academy Bromley
The demolition, refurbishment and three-story new build of a local all-girls school located in South London.
Hawkhead Village
Transforming the former site of Hawkhead Hospital into Hawkhead Village, a residential community bringing together restored Art Deco buildings and new homes. Achieving Show Home of the Year in the Scottish Home Awards 2015 and Best Renovation/Conversion in The Herald Property Awards for Scotland 2017.
Materials Analysis Laboratory
New head office and analytical laboratory for metallurgical consultants.
Manor Kingsway
Transforming the former Manor and Kingsway Hospitals situated 1.5 miles west of Derby city centre, creating a diverse and thriving community of 700 homes with recreational facilities, retail space and a business park to create 450 jobs.
Kingston’s Portsmouth Road
Transforming a London Borough of Kingston Road into a model for healthy streets. Creating cycle tracks and cycle parking, whilst communicating with local residents and businesses.
Howick Place
Situated close to Westminster Cathedral, Howick Place is an architecturally stunning building designed by Rolfe Judd Architecture. The building takes inspiration from the surrounding conservation area, whilst creating an environment to meet all 21st century needs.
Harlow Rugby Club partnership
Unlocking new homes through partnership working in Harlow.
Gatwick Airport Car Park 6
Designing and structurally refurbishing one of Gatwick Airport's largest multi storey car parks, expanding parking and storage areas, and working with many stakeholders to ensure that all safety, quality and commercial aspects were delivered in accordance with the airport’s stringent standards.
Fixed Telecom Network
The biggest telecoms project ever on Britain's railways.
Cross Keys Homes
An innovative joint venture to provide much needed housing to parts of the East of England.
Chalcots Estate, call to action fire risk work
Assisting with the evacuation of 650 families from the estate after receiving a call from Camden Council at 5.30pm on Friday 23 June 2017, undertaking emergency fire remedial works, working overnight to fit fire door closers and carrying out an additional programme of fire upgrade works.
Bilston Urban Village
Developing a collection of 2, 3 and 4-bedroom homes, creating a mixed tenure development that will bring 58 homes to the open market along with 20 new affordable homes and supporting a group of local trainees.
Bank Station Capacity Upgrade
Delivering a 100% BIM3 compliant utilities design at one of London’s busiest interchanges, Bank Station. Serving 73 million passengers annually, situated between London Bridge and the Bank of England.
The Grove School
Undertaking a major refurbishment of a former Council building, originally a late Edwardian school, into a new school in Haringey, for 104 students aged 5–19 who have a primary diagnosis of autism.
Balaam Wood
Kier Living was responsible for creating the revolutionary and award-winning mixed tenure, sustainable and affordable new community in Birmingham. The project delivered a range of house types to appeal to the broadest demographic possible with the aim of giving residents an extra 10% living space.
Tiger Way
Kier Design and Business Services working in partnership with the London Borough of Hackney to deliver mixed-use developments and education schemes to create revenue for further local investment.
33 Foley Street
Delivering a central London office space where people feel inspired and want to work and collaborate, bringing together a number of Kier businesses to work jointly on the project, adding an extra floor to the building and extending two other floors to create a stunning modern space.
Wedge House
Building a striking new build boutique hotel with works comprising the design, construction and fit out of 192 hotel rooms, 4,700m2 Cat A office space and full fit out of three floors of bars and restaurants.
Alperton Community School
The build of a new school and demolition works of the old premises, increasing capacity from 750 to 1700 pupils.
One Station Square
Working with Newlon Housing Trust, the project involves the demolition of the existing structure and the design and construction of a new residential development of 128 dwellings comprising 117 shared ownership flats,11 private sale flats plus 1 commercial unit to shell and core finish.
Dyson, Hullavington
The design and redevelopment of a World War II hanger, to create a new research and development centre for Dyson.
Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls
Building a brand new 8 form of entry school situated in Thamesmead in South East London. The new school holds 1,200 pupils and includes teaching spaces, science laboratories, ICT suites, a dance studio, art and music rooms plus a large four court sports hall and hard court play area.
Shire Hall
The re-emergence of Gloucestershire County Council’s (GCC) Shire Hall after its retrofit and refurbishment reads like a fairy-tale. Over 165 weeks and 82 phases of collaborative, innovative team-working, the part-listed, part 1960’s building, an eyesore, tired and inefficient, was responsibly and dynamically transformed into an elegant and highly sustainable workplace.
‘The Biosphere’ Helix Development
Design and construction of a new 7,200m2 laboratory facility. The building consists of a mixture of biology and chemistry spaces, office spaces, unfitted spaces and associated external infrastructure works. The facility has two floors of containment level 2 fitted labs and write-up areas, together with shared wash-up facilities.
Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) Khoo Teck Puat iMRI Suite
Our Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) iMRI project involved the construction of a three-storey building, adjacent to their existing theatres in the centre of their site, for a new iMRI suite and rehabilitation gym. The new MRI scanner was integrated into the new operating theatre to create a seamless brain imaging process during surgeries.
Ecclesiastical Insurance Group Headquarters
Ecclesiastical Insurance Group, one of Gloucester’s biggest employers, had offices throughout the city which were not considered future proof. They decided to consolidate all Gloucester based staff into a new purpose-build headquarters on Gloucester Business Park. The building is leased from Arlington, owners of the business park, and long-term clients of Kier.
Gosport Borough Council - responsive repairs and planned maintenance
Delivering responsive repairs and planned maintenance to 3200 homes in Gosport as well as specialist works including gas systems, electrical works and major disabled adaptations. Every year we deliver over 12,000 repairs and take approximately 17,000 calls.
Hartsdown Academy
Hartsdown Academy is a secondary school with academy status located in Margate, Kent for circa 1000 students aged 11 to 18. The project was completed over two phases where phase one comprised of the demolition of two existing school buildings and the construction of a new three storey teaching block. Phase two involved the demolition of three existing school buildings and the installation of a new pre-fabricated modular building.
Spa School, Camberwell
Spa School Camberwell is a co-educational special school for students aged 5 to 16 with autism. Construction works included the structural alteration, internal remodelling and fit out of a three storey Victorian building with a three storey new build extension. It has the capacity for 120 students and 80 staff.
Al Barsha Residential Development
Construction of two identical semi- commercial and residential developments, consisting of a common ground floor and two common podium parking levels, 12 floors of residential apartments and a gym floor at roof level and external works including two swimming pools. The total built up area of the project is 72,940 sqm.