Favermead Ltd. has pushed the button on 60 Holborn Viaduct, a 20,006m2 (215,000ft2) commercial development designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF). The building is now being actively marketed having been granted planning consent in December 2007 but was put on hold during the economic down turn. 

60 Holborn Viaduct will replace Bath House, a mixed use development designed in 1967, which had become an outmoded presence in an increasingly vibrant district. KPF’s design will introduce a lively, dynamic environment to Holborn Viaduct, creating an architectural focus on the main thoroughfare between the City and the West End. 

The simple, organic form of the building softens the mass of the development and responds to its urban context. The curves of the external envelope are informed by and influence views and sightlines to and from the site’s city location, while the striking façade of twisted fins over a light glazed curtain wall gives a strong visual identity to the scheme. 

A key component of the redevelopment of 60 Holborn Viaduct is the rebuilding, in traditional materials, of the Gate House at the north east corner of the Farringdon Road – Holborn Viaduct junction. The new Gate House will complete the existing set of three structures that were originally erected as a grand gesture during Victorian times. 

John Bushell, KPF`s Principal in charge of the project commented: “60 Holborn Viaduct is an important addition to this part of London which has been subject to proposals for redevelopment in the past few years. It’s ‘return’ is a response to the current commercial office market in London, particularly the need for high specification, sustainable and flexible offices spaces which can be adapted to  accommodate multiple tenants.” 

The building has been designed to achieve a BREEAM rating of ‘Excellent’. 

A start on site date is dependent on securing a pre-let agreement.