​GPE are undertaking a sensitive refurbishment of the landmark property Minerva House, SE1 to create a highly sustainable building that remains respectful to the local environment and conservation area, whilst meeting the changing needs of office occupiers. They continue to innovate its approach to sustainability and announces that the project is the first private development on the River Thames to utilise a barge to remove construction materials from site, according to GPS Marine.

Opera have been appointed as project managers, leading a project team that consists of Ben Adams Architects, Gardiner & Theobald, HTS and Hoare Lea, to deliver a design led building that targets net zero carbon and maximises operational efficiency, with SMART technologies, BREEAM and WELL principles applied. Multiplex have also been brought in as the main contractors.

Use of the aforementioned barge will reduce the total number of heavy goods vehicles that would have travelled to and from the local area during the deconstruction phase by 65%.

The River Thames will act as the primary route to remove waste from an area with very high footfall, as well as reducing noise and air pollution in a congested, pedestrian heavy environment.

Minerva House will deliver 143,100 sq ft of new best-in-class workspaces, in a rejuvenated and expanded building, making the most of its impressive river frontage. As well as new retail space at ground level, the scheme will create a new cut-through between the end of St Mary Overie Dock and Cathedral Street for use by people following the Thames Path and Jubilee Walkway.

It is one of GPE's latest central London projects to be designed and built in line with GPE's updated Roadmap to Net Zero. The project will embrace the principles of the circular economy, including the retention and re-use of over 70% of the existing building and the recovery of 20 tonnes of glass that will used in the production of new glass for use on the open market, for other projects across London.

When asked what they thought of the planned re-development, Southwark Council committee member Cllr Kath Whittam welcomed the scheme: "Minerva House at the moment looks horrible and I think it will improve the look," she said.

Planning chair Cllr Richard Livingstone said the revamped building had "design merits" and would be "better suited to the area".

Sources: SE1 News, Great Portland Estates, Opera