Skanska has completed a £160 million Knightsbridge development combining 340,000 sqft of retail, commercial, residential and restaurant space for The Olayan Group
Skanska has finished a major redevelopment at Knightsbridge for its customer The Olayan Group. The Knightsbridge development spans over 340,000 sqft of retail, commercial, residential and restaurant space and despite significant challenges since work first began four years ago, Skanska has delivered.
The site is located in close proximity to the Piccadilly tube line which has added considerable complexity to the scheme in the redesign of the station’s access and installation of foundations. However, the contractor has been successful without impacting on the line or its associated underground infrastructure.
Respecting and enriching the heritage of Knightsbridge
The design team decided to relocate the station entrance from its original position on the north-east corner of The Estate facing Harvey Nichols to further along the Brompton Road. This move freed up some prime retail space without infringing upon accessibility. Skanska put in step-free access for Knightsbridge Underground through a new entrance from Hooper’s Court.
Respecting and enriching the heritage of the area was at the heart of the Knightsbridge development. For example the team have added elements featured on the original drawings that have been lost or, in some cases, never completed in the first place.
This includes two cupolas – dome-like architectural features – and mansard sloping roofs, as well as a complete reinstatement of a building destroyed by bomb damage. The Skanska team are proud that the development now matches its neighbouring structures and complements the surrounding area.
BIM technology allowed for efficiency and accuracy
John Crawley, operations director, said:
“Key to overcoming the complex challenges of the old on a site with such rich heritage as this – situated as it is within a conservation area and with a wrap-around retained façade right above the tube – is embracing the new.
“We did this by using digital innovation right from the start of the design process, with extensive use of Building Information Modelling (BIM). This technology helped us visualise and scrutinise the site data way ahead of construction to reduce risk and build the most efficient project possible for our customer.”
Managing director and head of real estate-Europe for The Olayan Group, Jonathan Shelton, commented:
“Our priority was to future proof The Estate by creating a building that will stand the test of time and is built to the highest standards. This is only possible by creating an environment where all parties can work together to achieve the best results. Skanska’s close teamwork, along with initiatives to support the local community, created a strong team spirit with asset and development manager Chelsfield, which was integral to finding solutions on a complex project like this one.”
