We’re pleased to announce that the building contract for Hub’s Beech Street (also known as Cornerstone) has now been formally signed, with JJ Rhatigan progressing on site. This low-carbon co-living project marks a significant step forward in sustainable urban regeneration.
Delivered on behalf of Hub and Bridge Fund Management Ltd, we previously oversaw a meticulously coordinated enabling works programme. Working with Redhammer Demolition Ltd and asbestos specialists Furn Contracts Ltd, the building was stripped back to its structural frame, with eight levels of finishes and utilities carefully removed. We undertook a series of structural tests, which are now informing a more efficient and targeted strengthening strategy, reducing the need for new materials and interventions, and resulting in both lower carbon impacts and cost savings.
A total of 133 tonnes of material was taken off-site, with over 99% diverted from landfill.
With the contract awarded, we’re proud to continue supporting the transformation of this former office building into 174 co-living homes on the edge of the Barbican estate. As Quantity Surveyor, Contract Administrator, and Carbon Manager, we’re tracking carbon and cost in real-time to support informed, sustainable decision-making at every stage.
Redefining urban regeneration through carbon-conscious design
Our Lifecycle Carbon Assessment is helping the team quantify the environmental benefits of retaining and repurposing the existing structure. So far, this has resulted in a saving of 1.7 million kgCO₂e, equivalent to the annual emissions of 1,400 family cars.
The scheme targets BREEAM Excellent and EPC A, with further reductions forecast across both embodied and operational carbon. Compared with a typical new-build, the current design achieves a 35% reduction in embodied carbon and 41% less operational carbon over a 60-year lifespan.
These results stem from early-stage, data-led decisions, made possible through our carbon and cost tracking tools. Our approach aligns with RICS standards and supports BREEAM Man 02 credits, embedding sustainability from concept to completion.
What’s Next?
With construction now underway, we remain actively involved, ensuring quality, programme delivery, and cost control. Our ongoing role will help maximise the carbon and cost efficiencies made possible through strategic reuse and retention.
Discover more about Beech street
From Carbon Management and Quantity Surveying to Residential expertise, we offer a comprehensive range of services, all designed with sustainability at their core, ensuring your project meets its goals for a smarter, more efficient future. Get in touch to learn more.
