Following the transformation of Bloomsbury Quarter’s P7 development, located at 21 Southampton Row, our Refurb team have now reached the finale of this project, – Sicilian Avenue. This has been the perfect conclusion to a detailed, multiple phase structural refurbishment and CAT A fit out. The new office space in the heart of Holborn harbours elevated design and structural complexities.
Floors 1-4 of Sicilian Avenue are centred around commercial office space, with floor 5 being home to private residences. The private entrance for residents boasts a regal aesthetic, with deep burgundy walls and original terrazzo flooring, paired with an original feature staircase complemented by a balustrade bannister.
The ground and basement floors include retail space and is also home to end of trip facilities, including showers, lockers, bike storage and additional elements such as GHD hairdryers. In total, there are 11 retail units across both phases, which will be home to a variety of popular establishments.
Our clients aspiration was to make the space as open-plan and naturally light and bright as possible, which posed challenges given the building’s restricted infrastructure, making the maximisation of the space tricky.
The team extended the lift passage down a further floor into the basement to improve the building’s accessibility; however, the formation of the building’s triangular shape meant that the lift passage could not be removed. This required the team to exercise strategic precision and specific expertise around restrictions on structural elements from the existing shape of the building.
Extensive structural work has also taken place with a lot of structural steel integrated into the build. Working with heritage restoration experts, Iceni, the team were able to introduce the necessary structural changes, whilst still maintaining the building’s character and Grade II heritage.
Jim Tipple, Project Director said – “It has been a fantastic journey and it’s wonderful to see this historic landmark brought back to life and updated to meet modern standards and requirements. Well done to everyone who has had a hand in the delivery”.
The completed look of the space leans into a Scandinavian, rustic style, with sleek and modern interior design, suiting the open plan and spacious surroundings. However, a full fit out is now underway, which is due to be completed in December 2026.
A beautiful heritage space repositioned for the modern world, Bloomsbury Quarter can be enjoyed in a variety of forms when it opens its doors in early 2027.
