Contract signed for low carbon commercial scheme

Developer Landsec and contractor Laing O’Rourke have signed a pre-construction services agreement (PCSA) for the final design and planning of the main construction of £195M Timber Square development in London.

A start date is yet to be confirmed for the scheme which comprises around 34,300m² of mixed-use space, including 32,500m² of grade A offices, affordable workspace, roof terraces and an enhanced public realm bringing new connections and open public space to the Bankside area of Southwark.

The development will retain circa 90% of the existing building and use a hybrid steel frame and timber structure, significantly reducing embodied carbon, construction traffic, demolition waste and local air pollution. Low carbon and recycled materials will also be used across the development.

The scheme is said to be 10 years ahead of UKGBC net-zero carbon targets for energy intensity reduction.

Commenting on Laing O’Rourke’s appointment, Landsec’s Head of Development, David Heaford, said: “We have completed a rigorous assessment process to reach this stage. We are delighted to be working with a globally-recognised contractor to deliver this exciting, sustainable development which focuses on connecting communities within a net-zero carbon scheme.”

Ceire O’Rourke, Director of UK Clients & Markets at Laing O’Rourke said: “We are excited at being appointed preferred bidder to deliver Timber Square, which is a bold and pioneering project with sustainability at its core. Our unique operating model, based on digital engineering, precision manufacturing at our factory in the east Midlands and assembly on site, will help us bring to life LandSec’s vision of modern buildings which support sustainable living and working in the heart of London.

“Our team will now bring the power of their experience to the table to work closely with the client team and make this stunning project a reality.”