Originally built as an office building in the 1950s the building had been vacant for many years prior to the works commencing. Building No 4 was arranged over a single basement level, raised ground floor, five office floors and a sixth roof plant level and the basement included a residential apartment accessed from within the office building and via the lightwell to Stanhope Gate. The building was unlisted with an austere red brick facade with little historic or architectural interest. Building No’s 5 & 6 front facades were listed and were retained when the buildings behind were redeveloped in 1971.
WellMax were instructed by their client to build for the demolition, the external façade was retained and the building was wrapped in an authentic representation of the Edwardian building. This is a very busy area with the need to keep access available for the retail outlets at all times and stringent noise regulations. Protection Fans were erected to keep the public safe.
