McLaren to start on £400m refurb of Victoria office tower

18/10/23

McLaren is set to start work on a £400m refurbishment of the 29-floor Portland House tower in Victoria, London.

Developer Landsec said the revamp of the 1960s block will create a "contemporary office-led destination" in response to a growing demand for high-quality office space in the area.

The project will have a total cost of £400m, according to Landsec, although the value of the construction contract is not known.

The work will include a new reception, as well as a multifunctional event space, a refurbished facade, and a level-30 rooftop extension.

The completed building, to be called Thirty High, will feature a restaurant and terrace on the building's top levels "with panoramic views across London".

Landsec head of workplace Oliver Knight said: "At a time when other developers are pulling back from committing to new projects, we're bringing forward much-needed space to supply a constrained Grade-A market.

"Our existing portfolio in the West End continues to outperform, with recent deals setting new benchmark rents for the area. This, combined with the strength of the wider London market, gives us the confidence to fully commit to exceptional projects like Thirty High, one of the only office towers in the West End."

McLaren's managing director for major projects John Butten said: "The retrofit of Thirty High is a comprehensive refurbishment led by a low-carbon delivery goal… Thirty High is going to demonstrate just how smart, efficient and desirable a retrofitted office can be."