£1bn London Blackfriars Tower Blocks Approved: The Round

Summary

The 18 Blackfriars Road development in London is a £1bn project consisting of three towers: two residential and one office tower. The residential towers will provide over 400 homes, with 40% designated as affordable. The office tower will offer 800,000 square feet of space. The project focuses on sustainability, aiming to be fossil fuel-free and Net Zero Carbon, with ground source heat pumps providing most of the site's energy. The development will also feature affordable workspace, retail spaces, and a cultural hub. It is set to transform a long-unused brownfield site into a modern, mixed-use space that will benefit both the local community and the wider city.

A £1bn development at Blackfriars has been given approval, marking a major step in transforming the area. This project, located at the southern end of Blackfriars Bridge, will bring three new towers that will include both residential and office space, along with facilities for the local community.

The Project

The development, now called The Round, will include two residential towers of 40 and 22 storeys, providing over 400 homes, with 40% of these designated as affordable. The third tower, standing at 47 storeys, will offer 800,000 square feet of office space. The tallest building will rise to 191 metres, contributing to the growing cluster of high-rise buildings in the Blackfriars area.

Hines, working with the National Pension Service of Korea, purchased the 18 Blackfriars Road site for £208 million in 2021. This two-acre brownfield site had remained undeveloped for more than 20 years. The approval gives the green light for its transformation into a modern mixed-use development.

Focus on Sustainability

A key feature of The Round is its emphasis on sustainability. The development will be 100% electric and fossil fuel-free, with the goal of being Net Zero Carbon in operation. The majority of the site’s heat demand will be met by ground source heat pumps, which store and offset energy. This makes the project one of the most energy-efficient high-rise schemes in the city.

In addition to environmental goals, The Round aims to improve the area for local people. The scheme includes 20,000 square feet of affordable workspace for local businesses, a 300-seat auditorium, a café run by a social enterprise, and space for retail. The project is also set to be the first high-rise in the UK to achieve the WELL Community Gold Standard, which recognises buildings that support health and wellbeing.

A Community-Oriented Development

The Round is more than just a collection of towers. It is designed to serve the community with a variety of facilities that will cater to residents, workers, and the local area. The development will feature retail and café spaces along The Rotunda and both Stamford Street and Blackfriars Road. These areas are intended to create a lively, accessible environment for those who live and work nearby.

Ross Blair, senior managing director of Hines UK, said, “We believe our plans for The Round will set a new standard for premium quality workspace in London. It is integrated into its local community and situated at the heart of our capital.”

Photos Of The Round

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A Team of Professionals

The success of The Round is the result of a collaboration between some of the leading professionals in the industry. Architects Foster + Partners, project managers Lipton Rogers, and a team of structural engineers, cost consultants, and environmental experts have all worked together to ensure the project meets its high standards for design, sustainability, and functionality.

Construction Plans

Construction for The Round is set to begin with enabling and basement works in summer 2025, followed by the main construction phase starting in spring 2027. The project is expected to take four years to complete, with the final towers opening in 2031.

Hines has also agreed to a Section 106 package with Southwark Council, including a £74 million payment for infrastructure improvements and £12 million for affordable workspace. The development’s location, just minutes from Southwark station and within walking distance of cultural landmarks like the Southbank Centre and Tate Modern, makes it an important addition to the city’s ongoing urban development.

The Round is set to play a central role in the continued development of London’s skyline. With its focus on sustainability, community, and modern design, the project will be a significant example of urban regeneration. It will provide new homes and office space, as well as contribute to the local economy and culture. This development is a sign of what the future of high-rise living and working could look like in London.