We are thrilled to share that Planning Approval has been granted and the tendering, procurement and Gateway 2 submission is in progress for the redevelopment of 45 Beech Street, Barbican, a project that will see the transformation of an existing office building into 174 co-living units.
The planning approval, marks a significant milestone in this exciting project, which aims to deliver a sustainable and community-focused development in one of London’s most iconic neighbourhoods.
The proposed redevelopment will retro-fit the existing building, Murray House, and extend it to create 174 private rental co-living units. These units will be complemented by a range of internal and external amenity spaces, including communal kitchens, dining and working areas, cycle storage, and servicing facilities. Further landscaping and public realm improvements will enhance the surrounding area, transforming it into a vibrant destination and cultural space for the City of London.
The location of 45 Beech Street, bordered by residential buildings such as Bridgewater House, and adjacent to both Bryer Court and the Barbican Estate, makes it an ideal candidate for co-living use. The development balances the demand for more housing in central London with the need to maintain a vibrant mix of uses in the city’s dense urban environment.
Driving the project forward with collaboration
This project has seen extensive collaboration with a talented team of design, construction, and sustainability experts. We are working closely with AHMM (Architects), HUB (Developer), Whitby Wood (Structures and Civils), G&H (MEP Engineers), and East (Landscape Architects).
At Circle, we have been appointed as Project Managers, Employer’s Agent, Quantity Surveyors and Carbon Managers for the project, providing cost and carbon management support throughout the design stages. Our role is pivotal in ensuring that the development achieves cost efficiency while meeting stringent sustainability targets. We have been leading the lifecycle carbon studies, tracking carbon movements and presenting the carbon calculations to the City of London, helping guide the planning journey.
The project prioritises the reuse of as much of the existing building as possible, minimising embodied carbon and maximising material efficiency. With this approach, we are aiming to meet the GLA Aspirational A1-A5 embodied carbon targets, and work closely with the design team to ensure that material choices and massing contribute positively to both carbon savings and cost-efficiency.
Sustainable housing solutions
Co-living is emerging as an innovative housing solution for those seeking flexible living arrangements in city centres. Designed to offer more affordable accommodation compared to traditional rental options, co-living units often feature shared communal spaces, flexible tenancies, and fixed living costs. By offering a range of shared amenities and a strong sense of community, the project is poised to set a new standard for co-living in London. Residents will enjoy access to high-quality communal spaces, with the added benefit of being part of a wider community in the heart of the city.
The Beech Street development is committed to achieving market-leading sustainability credentials, including BREEAM Excellent, EPC A rating, and Fitwel 2-Star Certification. The project has already been recognised for its retrofit-first approach, saving 34% in embodied carbon compared to comparable new-build developments of the same scale. The building design will incorporate a range of sustainable features, including natural ventilation to reduce overheating risks, water-saving technologies to optimise resource use, and urban greening and biodiversity opportunities to enhance the public realm.
Additionally, the building will have the capacity to connect to a nearby district heating network upon completion, further bolstering its environmental credentials.
What’s Next?
As we progress through the design stages, the team is currently working on the Stage 3 Design, collaborating closely with AHMM, Whitby Wood, G&H, and East. The next major milestone will be the Gateway 2 submission at the end of Stage 4 Design, a crucial step towards bringing this visionary development to life.
We are excited about the potential of Beech Street to transform the area and create a thriving, sustainable community in one of London’s most desirable locations. With planning approval secured and Stage 3 well underway, we look forward to seeing this project come to fruition.
Stay tuned for more updates.
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