COMPLETION OF NEW EAST THAMES GROUP HQ
- Exciting new development part of the transformation of Stratford -

Leading urban developer, First Base and construction company, Laing O’Rourke have reached practical completion for the new East Thames Group headquarters at West Ham Lane, Stratford.

The new headquarters is a £25 million, 100,000 sq. ft. mixed-use development that is imaginatively designed by Fletcher Priest Architects.

It is the first flagship office building to be built in Stratford ahead of the 2012 Olympics and will officially open in June this year housing up to 650 people. It will bring together all East Thames Group employees in one place for the first time as well as create further jobs in the local area.

Elliot Lipton, Managing Director at First Base, said, “This development is an excellent example of a collaborative approach between client, developer and contractor creating buildings and environments that transform urban spaces and enhance local neighbourhoods.  Using best practice design and construction principles we are delighted to have delivered a sustainable development to an extremely high standard helping East Thames regenerate this part of Stratford.  We are extremely proud to report that the development was delivered on time and within budget.”

The new headquarters has been built using modern methods of construction, which minimise time on site and costs. The main building is set back from the street with the larger part of the scheme rising only to 3rd floor height, ensuring the building respects the surrounding streetscape and scale. It presents a juxtaposition of glazed and solid surfaces, relating to the varying physical contexts of the site as well as the existing buildings. 

Laing O’Rourke Project Leader, Adrian Banks, said, “The successful completion of this high quality project saw a 100% Health & Safety record, enabling a reporting to be made of zero lost time injuries and is also to be considered for an extremely high Considerate Constructors Scheme accolade. There were many modern methods of construction used on this project which include  the use of pre fabricated elements such as, columns and concrete edges, mechanical and electrical risers, unitised cladding panels, chilled beam units and bathroom pods.

“We have not only worked collaboratively with Joint Venture partners but also very closely with the local community, rebuilding the existing Unitarian Church on the site next to the new development which was a community initiative.”

The new headquarters asserts the ongoing success of the housing group, which is one of the largest social housing groups in London, within its natural home – Stratford. It will provide significant operational efficiencies for East Thames’ expanding business as well as one-stop shop front of house service as result of the new facilities for local communities. 

June Barnes, East Thames Group said, “This is an exciting time for East Thames Group.  This new building is part of a programme of change and improvement focussed on continuing to improve our services to our residents and stakeholders, ensuring we are ready for the challenges of this fast-developing part of London.  Our investment in this building demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the regeneration of the area, our focus on good design and creating buildings for the long term and is part of a range of activities aimed at reducing our carbon footprint.  We are delighted to provide Stratford with a building which we feel raises the bar for future development in the area.”

The building has been designed to ensure it makes a positive impact on the surrounding environment. It has a large brown roof and is BREEAM “excellent” rating. The building’s envelope, which is a high quality glazed curtain wall, overlaid with solid or louvered elements responds variously to each elevation’s demands in terms of privacy, solar control and maximising the building’s green potential.

It is easily navigable at street level and therefore approachable by all users. The ground floor has been designed to appear vibrant and presents entrances to the headquarters, a café and an estate agency.

-ENDS-

For further information please contact:      
Jessica Gooch / Charlotte Nye
Tel: 0207 908 6447 / 020 7908 6511                               
Email jgooch@lexispr.com / cnye@lexispr.com

NOTES TO EDITORS:

FIRST BASE
First Base Limited
Transforming Urban Spaces and Building Communities.
First Base is the urban regeneration developer that creates stylish homes in great urban spaces.

• It transforms the way that properties are built - using best practice modern construction methods that keep costs low yet quality high, embracing sustainability and ensuring value for money.
• It transforms the way that communities are formed - with a mix of tenures, a range of homes, a commitment to high quality management and services that make friends of neighbours.
• And it transforms the way that style meets function - with attractive designs, inside and out, that do more than simply look good.

Designed by renowned architects, built by skilled craftspeople, managed by experts, First Base homes are quality, sustainable and affordable properties for purchase or rental.

For further information please visit www.firstbase.com