'Park in the sky will turn Victoria offices into leading HQ for a top firm'

 
Blue-sky thinking: views across Buckingham Palace Gardens at the planned Verde SW1 building in Victoria
Benedict Moore-Bridger4 November 2014

A property developer is creating a “park in the sky” at an office complex to attract blue-chip companies looking for new headquarters.

International real estate developer Tishman Speyer has started work on the Verde SW1 building, which will feature 20,000 square feet of outdoor roof space.

The complex is being designed by cutting-edge international architects Aukett Swanke, Adjaye Associates and MdeAS, and is located in the heart of Victoria, which is currently undergoing a £4 billion transformation.

The development will have six landscaped roof terraces with sweeping views over Buckingham Palace and the Royal Parks.

Dan Nicholson, managing director at Tishman Speyer, said: “We are creating the next big company headquarters in a dynamic area, which is being transformed into the best place to do business in London.

“With six dramatic roof gardens, we are creating a 21st-century workplace, designed with the wellbeing of workers and productive business in mind.”

The Verde SW1 will also have dedicated cycle access, storage for 400 bicycles and 40 folding bikes in the basement, 40 showers and 400 lockers.

Big plans: an artist’s impression of the roof terraces

Some of the world’s biggest brands are being attracted to the area around Victoria Station, including fashion labels Jimmy Choo, Giorgio Armani, Burberry and Tom Ford. Over the next decade, £2 billion will be spent on office developments and a similar amount on improved infrastructure.

Ruth Duston, who heads the Victoria Business Improvement District said that by 2016 “people will start to see a real transformation, a noticeable difference”.

She added that Victoria was “very much” looking to compete with neighbouring areas, with office rents half the price of Mayfair and property prices less than half those of Knightsbridge and Belgravia.

Tishman Speyer acquired the Verde SW1 in January 2012 and was granted planning permission by Westminster City Council in April this year.

Work began last week and the scheme is expected to be completed in spring 2016.

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