United States
project
WPP – One Southwark Bridge
Situated on the spectacular Thames Walk in the heart of the London Borough of Southwark, we redeveloped the former iconic home of the Financial Times building for WPP, making it the third in WPP’s ever-growing network of London campuses.
Our relationship with WPP began in 2016 with the fit out of Sea Containers. The collaboration continued with Rose Court in 2018 and most recently with the delivery of One Southwark Bridge, completed in 2024. As the third London campus building within WPP’s global network, the project represents another step in the ongoing development of its workplace portfolio.
The 240,000 sq ft Design and Build scheme involved the comprehensive redevelopment of the existing building, with significant structural refurbishment and expansion of the building’s footprint and a full office fit out.
The works included the removal of the façade back to the original concrete frame retaining over 60% of the existing frame, structural repairs and the construction of a new façade. Floor plates were extended through the introduction of a new rear extension at ground level up to level seven, alongside further extensions to the south and west elevations on levels two to six to increase the size of the office spaces.
Structural works also included the enlargement of the southwest lift core to introduce two new passenger lifts and a goods lift. The three existing lift cores were extended to provide access to a newly created seventh-floor client space. A new plant screen was installed to conceal rooftop plant equipment, together with the installation of new mechanical and electrical infrastructure throughout the building.
Internally, the scheme delivered a complete office fit out across all floors, providing workspaces, meeting rooms and collaboration areas. New catering facilities were introduced on the ground, first and seventh floors, along with a bar and client entertainment spaces on level seven. The building includes Superloo facilities to the office floor plates and a dedicated loading bay. End-of-journey facilities were also incorporated, including cycle storage, showers and locker facilities.
The design provides flexible spaces that support a range of activities and working styles. The scheme also includes affordable workspace for local businesses, helping to support economic activity within the borough.
Externally, the project introduced new public realm spaces through hard and soft landscaping, external seating and the realignment of the surrounding highway, creating an improved environment for both occupiers and the wider community.
The project was completed with sustainability sat centrally as a key consideration throughout the entire redevelopment. By retaining and refurbishing the existing structure, the project saved 595 tonnes of embodied carbon and achieved a BREEAM Outstanding rating.
Architect
BDG a+d
Client
WPP
Address
One Southwark Bridge
SF
240,000
Project completion
March 2025
Contract
Single Stage Design & Build
Architect
BDG Architecture & Design
Cost Consultant
Quantem Consulting LLP
Project Manager
Hollen LLP
M&E
HDR
Structural Engineer
Webb Yates Partnership
Façade Consultant
Eckersley O’Callaghan
