Wates has been appointed to begin redeveloping the landmark Printworks site in Canada Water, South East London. This significant project is a collaboration between real estate company British Land and its JV partner AustralianSuper, Australia’s largest pension fund.
The development will see the former home of the Daily Mail’s printing presses, but latterly known as one of the world’s greatest cultural venues, transformed into a groundbreaking mixed-use development. The new building will deliver sustainable new workspace known as The Grand Press, alongside a vibrant cultural and events space.
Wates’ Major Projects Team began work on the site last November. The plan is for the original structural frame to be retained, with a new, modern, sustainable development built to the highest standards around it. Initial work includes demolition, site clearance, investigation works and a pre-construction services agreement.
The site was acquired by British Land in 2012, following the Daily Mail’s decision to move its printing operations outside of London. It gained international acclaim from 2017 as Printworks London, operated by Broadwick, before closing last May.
British Land announced earlier this year that it is seeking revised planning permission so that 50% of the building will be transformed into world-class workspace in The Grand Press, with the remaining area, a dedicated cultural and event space, leveraging the success of the last six years in operation with Broadwick.
Eddie Tribe, Managing Director – Major Projects, Wates, said: “We are delighted to have been appointed to this landmark project, and to be playing a key role in rebuilding and refurbishing a building that has become a cultural icon in London over the years. Wates’ involvement in The Grand Press is the latest in a series of large-scale schemes we are working on and really underscores our capability to deliver major projects for our customers.
Richard Tisdell, Project Director, Wates, added: “The Grand Press is an exciting major project, and I am proud to be leading the team that will help to bring it to life. This development will be guided by the building’s history, delivering sustainable, cutting-edge office space whilst also giving London back an important, upgraded cultural and event space.”
David Walters, Programme Director, British Land, said: “Canada Water is one of the capital’s most exciting new developments, helped in no small part by the global reputation built by Printworks London. We thank Wates for their hard work advancing this landmark project, whilst we seek planning permission to retain this ground-breaking cultural venue.”