We expect that the demands of occupiers will continue to develop and, as a result, creating new innovative spaces for London will become increasingly complex.
In order to ensure that our spaces continue to meet the needs of our occupiers into the next decade and beyond, we need to create buildings which offer their users:
- sustainable spaces that promote health and wellbeing;
- control over their environment;
- choice of where they work in a supported, relaxed environment; and
- access to superior levels of service and amenity.
At The Hickman, our 74,700 sq ft development in Whitechapel, E1, we have fully integrated sustainability, wellbeing and technology from inception. We are refurbishing the fabric of the existing building to reduce the total embodied carbon of the project and, with a BREEAM Excellent and EPC A rating targeted, it is expected that the building will achieve an energy improvement of almost 40% over current Building Regulations’ energy efficiency requirements.
In line with our commitment to promote improved air quality and biodiversity, we are increasing urban greening, installing a green roof, terraces and planting within the courtyard. The provision of 79 bike spaces and showers, coupled with the close proximity of a park, will provide further opportunities for our occupiers to exercise and access outdoor space, positively impacting their wellbeing.
A successful building is stitched into the community in which it is located. Therefore, we are monitoring the social impact of the building during development and once occupied, seeking to extend our work in the community, improving air quality, securing work placements and supporting local schools.
In operation, The Hickman will be our smartest building to date. The combination of sensors in the workplace, with a bespoke smartphone app, will provide constant anonymous feedback on occupancy levels, temperature, light levels, air quality and noise. This feedback will allow us to work with our occupiers to adapt and flex the building as their business needs evolve.
The Hickman will also be able to learn and adapt according to use, meaning we are able to optimise the conditions for occupation, reducing energy consumption and associated carbon emissions, whilst improving comfort levels for our occupiers.
Through our fresh contemporary design, we will be able to offer a choice of flexible work settings, providing opportunities for quiet independent work as well as collaboration space. Furthermore, occupiers will also benefit from our lifestyle service, allowing them to access a host of other, value added services at a push of a button.
